A police officer who works with victims of domestic abuse is the newest civil service Employee of the Month.

Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) Detective Sergeant Dausea Scott began working as the sole employee in the central referral unit (CRU) of the family support unit (FSU) just over a year ago.

Sergeant (Sgt) Scott’s role is to centralise the management of reports made to the police about child protection, domestic violence, vulnerable adults and welfare related issues. She also works to facilitate a multi-agency approach, by RCIPS departments and external public sector organisations.

The RCIPS created the post following recommendations made by an independent review of the (FSU).

In the time that Sgt Scott has been with CRU, her superiors say that she has embraced her role and quickly created a referral system so sound that it impressed a follow-up review of the new unit’s work.

Processing referrals involves meeting with clients, assessing their needs, including any risks to the client, as well as determining whether there is a criminal component to the case.  Although this is time-consuming, Sgt Scott manages a workload that should be shared by two, processing an average of 25 referrals a week.  She remains pleasant, energetic, and helpful throughout.

Her professionalism and dedication mean that she regularly works long hours and sacrifices annual leave to ensure that her clients’ needs are met. She has been praised by clients and her managers for her willingness to listen to individuals who are in an understandably emotional state. In addition her readiness to follow-up with external agencies and internal departments to expedite results has drawn commendations.

On presenting her with the Employee of the Month Award for April, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson noted: “ I am aware that you are a genuine humanitarian and a good communicator who remains impartial, courteous, understanding, receptive and patient with clients; not only do you obtain positive outcomes but also you leave clients feeling satisfied.”

“I have also learned that you follow up with external agencies or internal departments, which provides the sense of urgency that is expected. Finally, I understand that your dedication to the Cayman Islands Government is beyond compare, despite the demands of your personal life and devotion to your family,” Mr Manderson added.