Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service (HMCIPS), Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS) and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) are holding a joint recruitment drive on Wednesday (31 August 2016) in a bid to hire Caymanian officers and firefighters.

The job fair will take place at George Town Town Hall from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. when interested people will be able to learn more about the variety of career options available for each agency.

Prison Services currently has seven vacancies available for entry-level prison officers, Fire Services has 15 spots open for trainee fire officers and the RCIPS plans to recruit at least 10 new officers for their new recruitment class. All selected candidates will be given on-the-job training.

“The job fair is an excellent way for youth in the Cayman Islands who are interested in law enforcement and public protection to hear about all the opportunities available to them,” Acting Commissioner of Police Anthony Ennis said. “The RCIPS has joined because it should be one of the main options they consider alongside the CIFS and Prison Service.”

Commissioner Ennis explained RCIPS is looking for Caymanians who are bright and energetic people, motivated by the idea of public service and serving their country. He added the candidates should have a solid academic foundation, be physically fit and of good character.

“Being a police officer is an extraordinary experience; the work is fascinating and there are regular opportunities for career advancement and personal development,” Commissioner Ennis said. “But most importantly it is fulfilling. Every day we get the chance to make a positive difference for individuals and society as a whole.”

Prison Services HR Manager Raquel Solomon said the agency’s objective with the recruitment drive is to raise the profile of the prison service, and pique the interest of local residents in correctional careers.

“Historically we have not had great interest in the prison service from local candidates, but in the 2015 recruitment drive we managed to hire all Caymanian and permanent resident candidates. We hope to do that again this year,” she explained.

Employment duties include securing the prisoners, ensuring good order and discipline in the prisons and promoting rehabilitative focus amongst the inmate population. Prison officers can then go on to choose from a variety of careers within the service, such as security and intelligence or the options of working as reception and orientation staff, vocational instructors or re-entry and escort staff.

“There are many benefits to choosing a career in the prison service,” Ms. Solomon said. “It provides the chance to be part of a professional team led by experienced and dynamic managers. Working as a prison officer means you will be part of a multicultural response team unified in their commitment to safety, security and rehabilitation.”

Fire Services Acting HR Manager Kandie Hurlston said the job fair is a great opportunity for representatives from the three agencies to meet and make personal connections with potential candidates.

“We are thrilled to partner with Her Majesty’s Prison Service and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service to host a job fair. It’s an excellent opportunity for the three agencies to encourage Caymanians to consider a rewarding career in law enforcement and public safety,” Ms. Hurlston explained.

She added the department wants to increase their pool of applicants so CIFS can make even better hires and provide even better service in the community.

“As we are in the business of saving lives and protecting property, filling these vacancies ensures the department’s ability to maintain the high level of service which members of the public have come to expect and rely upon,” Ms. Hurlston said. “Some of the traits that we are looking for in applicants include integrity, physical fitness, empathy, effective communication, flexibility, dedication, situational awareness, and the ability to work well within a team.”

During the recruitment drive, staff will be on hand to make brief presentations and answer questions.

The application deadline for RCIPS is Monday, 5 September 2016. Completed application forms can be sent to [email protected]. For further information, visit www.rcips.ky/careers.

The application deadline for CIFS is Wednesday, 7 September 2016. Completed application forms can be sent to [email protected]. For further information, visit www.cifs.gov.ky.

Completed application forms for HMCIPS can be sent to [email protected] or dropped off at Prison Headquarters, HMP Northward.