Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) was established in 1799, making it one of the oldest police forces in the world. The modern Metropolitan Police Service of London was established in 1829 (although its precursor, the Marine Police Force, was organized in 1798). New York’s NYPD was established in 1845.

In 2020, the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment was established with one of the focus areas being border security.

Divisions

The force is divided into two regions:

• Division A covers the islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos.
• Division B covers Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos.

The other small inhabited islands, such as Parrot Cay and Pine Cay, do not have police stations.

Police Stations and Police Posts

Providenciales

Providenciales, the most populated island in the Turks and Caicos, is home to several police stations and police posts.

The primary police station on the island is located downtown, on Old Airport Road. This location is where police certificates are processed, as well as firearm licenses.

The Police headquarters and commissioner’s office is located on Airport Road, at the building that previously housed the Providenciales branch of the Customs Department. The offices for much of the police leadership are located at this site.

The Chalk Sound Police, located near South Dock, was damaged in a fire. Previously, this location processed crime reports and many other general issues.

The Saltmills Plaza is home to the Grace Bay region police station. This site currently is the main location where crime reports are handled.

North Caicos and Middle Caicos

North Caicos is home to two small police stations. One is located in the community of Kew, and one at Bottle Creek.

In the past, Middle Caicos had a station at the village of Conch Bar, yet the post may not always be active.

South Caicos

South Caicos has a police station which is located in the general vicinity of the community of Cockburn Harbour. Although South Caicos is part of the Caicos Islands group, management of the station is overseen by Division A, based on Grand Turk.

Grand Turk

The headquarters for Division A is located in Cockburn Town on Grand Turk. This site serves as the main police station on Grand Turk, and houses the leadership that oversees the police on South Caicos and Salt Cay.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center has a small police post, which is not always manned.

Salt Cay

The tiny island of Salt Cay has a police post, which is typically staffed. This post falls under the Division A group.