Today, 12 May, the RCIPS released its 2020 Crime and Traffic Statistics, and the Senior Command Team held a press conference to discuss the main developments and trends described in the statistics with the media. Among these developments are decreases in serious crime and overall crime compared to 2019. This includes decreases in acquisitive crime, violent crime and domestic abuse reports.

The report also discusses in detail the effect of COVID-19 restrictions on the crime figures. The service responded to 1,882 calls for service directly related to COVID-19, and approximately 660 persons or businesses were prosecuted for COVID-19 violations; these incidents are reflected in the report.                                                            

During the year the service continued proactive efforts, along with partner agencies, to combat organised crime groups seeking to bring illegal commodities to the Cayman Islands. The Firearms Response Unit responded to 1,126 incidents, carried out 132 planned operations, investigations, and warrant arrests, and were involved in a further 278 arrests. Officers also recovered over 2,250kg of Ganja and 62kg of Cocaine, with an estimated street value of CI$5.5 million.

All statistics as well as a full report and analysis are available here.

FOREWORD

As Commissioner of Police for the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, I am pleased to present the annual statistical report for crime and traffic 2020. This report highlights the significant achievements in 2020 and identifies the emerging challenges we need to address going forward. This report also acknowledges the response by the RCIPS to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

In 2020 serious crime commissions in the Cayman Islands continued to decrease. There was an 18.2% year on year reduction compared to 2019.

The year 2020 was an exceptionally challenging year for not only the communities of the Cayman Islands but the entire world. I am proud of our achievements, working alongside government and partner agenciesto keep our communities’ safe through the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst at the same time continuing to protect the vulnerable, address community concerns and tackle the perpetrators of crime.

In 2020 there were 3604 recorded crimes (excluding COVID-19 crimes), equating to a reduction of 12.8%. There were 55 crimes per 1000 population in 2020, compared to 59 crimes in 2019.

Our officers and civilian staff provided an agile response to the additional demands placed upon the organisationby the globalpandemic. They were friendly, fair and firm when interacting with communitiesto ensure the vulnerable were protected, whilst offenders were brought to justice.

In 2020 RCIPS responded to 1882 calls for service linked to COVID-19. There were approximately 660 persons/businesses warned for prosecution or given tickets for COVID-19 violations.

In 2020 overall levels of violent crime reduced by 12%. Crimes of serious violence reduced by 6%, with an increase in the volume of these crimes involving bladed weapons.

As a response to the increase in serious violence involved bladed weapons RCIPS initiated Operation Bladerunner in the second half of 2020, in an effort to prevent and detect criminal behaviour at venues linked to the night time economy. RCIPS continued to work alongside trusted partner agencies throughout the pandemic to provide support for victims of domestic abuse, protect the most vulnerable and target offenders.

In 2020 there was a slight decrease in the number of recorded offences involving domestic abuse, specifically physical violence. This decrease in 2020 goes against the trend of year on year increases seen in recent times.

The COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 had an undoubted impact on offenders and their opportunities to commit certain types of crime, however the RCIPS continued to build on the success achieved over recent years in addressing property crimesin the Cayman Islands.

In 2020 Acquisitive Crime (Property Crime) experienced substantial reductions. There was a total of 157 burglaries, a reduction of 107 compared to2019, equating to a 41% year on year reduction. Both robbery and theft also decreased significantly, with 29% and 24% year on year reductions respectively.

Whilst responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the RCIPS, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies at local and international levels, still continued to target organised crime groups seeking to bring illegal commoditiesinto the Cayman Islands.

During 2020 the RCIPS Firearms Unit responded to 1126 Incidents, carried out 132 planned operations, investigations or warrant arrests and were involved in a further 278 arrests. Over the course of 2020 RCIPS recovered in excess of 2250 kgs of Ganja and 62 kgs of Cocaine. These drugs had an estimated value of CI$ 5.5 million.

Moving into 2021, the RCIPS will continue to support the government and the local community in keeping the Cayman Islands safe from the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will implement our 3 Year Strategic Policing Plan to ensure continuous improvements in service delivery, whilst relentlessly targeting criminals and crime groups that threaten the Cayman Islands.

Derek Byrne. Commissioner of Police