The RCIP’s marine unit is set for re-launching by the middle of the month, Commissioner of Police Stuart Kernohan said Friday.
Fifteen officers will provide marine patrols, with 24-hour coverage, in the fight against such things as drug canoes, Mr. Kernohan said, noting the number of marine officers was being reviewed with a view to increasing it in the future as part of the country’s border security issue.
The marine officers will work hand-in-hand with the Customs and Immigration Departments.
A major specialist training programme for officers, administered by the Royal Navy, started Monday as part of a process that will take place over the next 12 months.
‘This training programme marks the start of an ongoing development programme of the marine unit which will see officers receive continued specialist training and, over time, additional vessels and surveillance equipment,’ Mr. Kernohan said in a press release Monday.
The chosen officers will spend the week with the Royal Navy experts using the Cayman Protector and other vessels.
‘This training marks a new era for the marine unit,’ said Detective Superintendent Mike Needham.
‘We have teamed together a host of experienced officers and some new recruits who hold specialist skills and knowledge,’ he said.
The role of the marine unit will be, among other things, to combat the drug and firearm trafficking and to provide territorial and coastal water patrols for all three islands.
The marine unit will also help cope with the problem of illegal immigration, and in addition, will have a sea search-and-rescue function.
Related Videos
