The RTCIPF was formed in 1799, when John Dunmore was appointed 'High Constable', with three 'Special Constables' appointed to assist him in maintaining law and order throughout the island group. They were named the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and have operated ever since. As the RTCIPF policies a British territory, but is also geographically closer to the United States, they are influenced by both n their make-up and appearance. Such as traditionally having a Commissioner of Police from the United Kingdom, but also using US made police vehicles, such as the Ford Police Interceptor Utility. Further links include the emergency number being '911', similar to the US and British style police uniform.
Structure
The force is headed by a Commissioner of Police, and is divided into two operational divisions:
A Division
B Division
The force is headed by a Commissioner, supported by a Deputy Commissioner. Each Division is headed by an Assistant Commissioner, with a Superintendent in command of each individual police station. There is also a small Tourist Police Unit reporting directly to the Deputy Commissioner. The head of criminal investigation holds the rank of Detective Superintendent.
There are several specialist operational units, including a financial crime unit. There is a marine unit, equipped with inshore and ocean-going patrol vessels. There is also a tactical unit equipped with former PSNI armoured Land Rover Tangis. The tactical unit is commanded by a Chief Superintendent
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has 225 full-time sworn police officers. In addition to this number, there are volunteer special constables, and also civilian police support staff.
Uniform and rank structure
The RTCIPF is a uniformed police force, with several orders of dress for different duties. The uniform and rank structure mirrors other British territories and United Kingdom forces in its look and approach. All officers, below the rank of Inspector, wear a unique identification number on all their uniforms.
Formal dress
Like many British police forces, the RTCIPF take pride in their appearance and are smartly dressed at all times, particularly for formal parades and occasions. As they are one of the world's oldest police forces, with strong historical links to the British Army and police forces, their customs and traditions are seen heavily in their uniform. Comparisons are made below. 'Whites' The most formal order of dress for police officers is the warm weather ceremonial uniform, which consists of: Males
White bush jacket or tunic with high collar and silver buttons and whistle on a chain
Black peaked cap with red cap-band and police capbadge
White gloves
Blue waist sash
Black polished belt with metal clasp
Polished black shoes or boots
Females
White bush jacket/tunic worn open at collar with tie and white shirt worn underneath, silver buttons and whistle on chain
Black trousers with double red stripe or black skirt with double red stripe and stockings
Black tall female cap with red cap-band and police capbadge
White gloves
Blue waist sash
Black polished belt with metal clasp
Polished black shoes or boots
On the epaulette of the tunic, "RTCIPF" letters are worn to denote police. Rank for Sergeants is worn on the upper sleeve area and on the epaulettes for senior officers. The staple item of a British police officer; the whistle on a chain, is worn and held between buttons and top pocket. Medals are worn on the left breast. On parade with weapons, junior ranks carry rifles and more senior officers may carry swords or swagger sticks. 'Blues' The alternate formal uniform is the dark blue service dress which is similar to 'whites', except:
the white tunic is replaced by a dark blue tunic, worn open at the collar for males and females of all ranks, with a collar and tie underneath
Insignia is minimal, but "POLICE" in large letters is worn on the back of the shirt. Equipment is carried on the waist.
Equipment and Vehicles
The RTCIPF uses typical police equipment, such as motor vehicles, radios and arrest equipment.
Firearms
Some, RTCIPF officers carry firearms. This is less usual in most UK and British Overseas Territories police services/forces, but in some territories it is more common practice.
Vehicles
Because of its proximity to the US, the RTCIPF uses more US-style police vehicles, such as the Ford Police Utility, these vehicles are marked, have red & blue flashing lights, the 911 emergency number and the police motto. The tactical and marine units use boats and armoured vehicles respectively.
Contact
For emergency calls, people should call 911 for the police, similar to the United States. The RTCIPF have a and a Facebook .
