1,524 vehicles stopped, 199 traffic tickets issued, 48 cars being removed from the roads in police operation
The National Security Council was apprised of the successful implementation of Operation Shepherd, under which the TCI Regiment were deployed with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force over
Operation Shepherd marked a significant milestone in joint operations with the teams resourcing vehicle check points, coastal surveillance for irregular migrant vessels and supporting the security of key community events.
According to a report from the NSC, the vehicle check points were assessed to be particularly effective with 1,524 vehicles being stopped, 199 traffic tickets being issued, and 48 cars being removed from the roads due to lack of insurance.
Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, and the Hon. Premier Charles Washington Misick, co-chaired a special meeting of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Security Council (NSC) on Friday, January 5th, 2024, at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales.
The primary focus of the meeting was a review of the incidents and multi-agency operations initiated over the festive period. Briefings were provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force the TCI Regiment and TCI Border Force.
In reviewing ongoing security requirements, the National Security Council agreed recommendations to extend the arrangement. Accordingly, HE the Governor has issued a direction under the Defence Ordinance, to extend TCI Regiment support to the RTCIPF until Wednesday, January 31st, 2024.
The National Security Council were also briefed on the multi-agency assistance from regional and international partners that was secured to bolster security efforts.
Additional assets were brought in to provide aerial and marine support to the RTCIPF, TCI Regiment and TCI Border Force. These multi-agency operations included a successful operation on Friday, January 5th, 2024 involving a Royal Bahamian Defence Force Cutter, the Royal Cayman Islands’ Police Service’s helicopter and air support from the United States Coastguard to interdict a vessel carry 215 illegal migrants. The vessel was escorted safely to Providenciales, where its occupants were processed and repatriated by TCI Border Force.
The National Security Council were further briefed on work to increase surveillance measures in support of marine domain awareness.
The National Security Council also discussed work to progress youth crime prevention programmes, with a key focus on addressing the root causes and creating opportunities for positive development.
To assist police investigations, the public is asked to contact 911, the RTCIPF Serious Crime Unit at 649-232-8752, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously on these incidents or any other information in respect of activity that may be of concern.
Follow-up questions are welcomed and can be directed to [email protected]
