From Bernews

Officers from the Bermuda Police Service began their investigation into the death of a Royal Cayman Islands Police Service [RCIPS] constable this week.

The RCIPS said, “Following a directive from Police Commissioner David Baines that an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the arrest, and the subsequent death, of Police Constable Raphael Williams should take place, the review, by officers from the Bermuda Police Service, began on Tuesday (28 January).

“PC Williams, who had been arrested on Thursday 9 January, 2014, on suspicion of blackmail and breach of trust, was released on police bail on Friday 10 January. His body was subsequently discovered on Sunday 12 January in the East End area. A police investigation determined that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.”

“It is normal practice in the UK, and in other jurisdictions, that such circumstances would be subject to independent review”, said Cayman Police Commissioner David Baines.

“I felt it was important to ensure that the RCIPS also adopts this approach to ensure that all aspects of the arrest and death are reviewed in an open, transparent and independent way.

“The enquiry team will outline their findings in a report to the Commissioner of the Bermuda Police Service, who will in then make the findings available to Governor Helen Kilpatrick. It is anticipated that the report will be made public shortly thereafter,” added Commissioner Baines.

This is not the first time the Bermuda Police have assisted abroad, with a co-operation agreement on reciprocal law enforcement assistance in place between the Caribbean Overseas Territories. Last year the Bermuda Police assisted the Royal Montserrat Police Service with an investigation following allegations of police misconduct.

For more on this story go to:

http://bernews.com/2014/01/bermuda-police-probe-cayman-officers-death/

See also iNews Cayman Briefs Story January 30 2014 “Death of police officer  – RCIPS Commissioner instructs independent review” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/inews-briefs-47/