From RCIPS Jan 8 2021

The RCIPS and members of the Special Constabulary carried out Operation Winter Guardian during the month of December up to and including the New Year’s holidays, which involved enhanced policing to ensure public safety during the increased activities involving the day and nighttime economies.

The RCIPS also partnered with the National Drug Council for their #ArriveAlive345 Campaign and did a host of joint media appearances. The appearances served to promote the use of the purple ribbon buses on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s morning, as well as to educate the public on other ways to enjoy the holidays without putting themselves at risk. The NDC has informed us that 2,142 persons rode the purple ribbon buses in Grand Cayman, along with just under 20 riding in Cayman Brac.

“We want to thank the National Drug Council and the Hurleys Media Team for organizing the Arrive Alive 345 Campaign and inviting us to be a part of their collaborative efforts,” said Acting Superintendent Brad Ebanks, who oversees both Specialist and Uniform Operations. “We also want to thank those members of the public who made a conscious effort to do the right thing by drinking responsibly and utilizing the various options available for staying safe over the holidays, especially on New Year’s Eve.”

Throughout this period, just under 40 persons were arrested on suspicion of DUI and just under 250 motor vehicle collisions were recorded. Over 630 tickets were issued with offenses ranging from speeding, illegal tint, to the use of mobile phones.

The RCIPS is pleased that, notwithstanding the death of a young man on Christmas Eve, there were no fatalities on our roads. But the continuing number of motor vehicle collisions remains a concern and a continuing priority.

The overall strategy aimed to reduce other victims of crime, and over the reporting period police responded to 7 reports of burglary, 1 robbery, and 46 reports of minor thefts, a reduction in all three categories from the same period the previous year. There were also 6 reports of violent incidents at liquor licensed premises, including one serious assault, and one death as previously reported, which has resulted in another man being charged for murder.

“Any death is unfortunate,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton, head of police operations. “This incident required the activation of additional personnel, who conducted a very efficient and skilled investigation which led to the arrest of a foreign national residing in Cayman, and a charging decision by the Office of the Director Public Prosecutions, who also assigned a Crown Counsel to the investigative team. However, the vast majority of Caymanians and residents were able to enjoy the holidays safely, which our islands are known for, especially following our remarkable success in suppressing COVID-19.”

“We are extremely proud of all members of the RCIPS and Special Constables who worked tirelessly and diligently to ensure that the holidays were safe and peaceful.  We also thank our community partners and the members of our community that remained law-abiding and took the opportunity to utilize other modes of transportation to avoid driving while intoxicated.”