Cayman’s police commissioner has warned that tougher sentences for people who attack officers may be needed after a spate of assaults.
Kurt Walton said there had been 24 assaults on officers so far this year – an average of three a month – but that the law only allowed a maximum sentence of two years for the offence.
“However, it may be time to consider strengthening these penalties to help send the unmistakable message that assaulting our police officers will not be tolerated,” he said.
“It is concerning that there appears to be an uptick in these types of incidents, but the public should rest assured that each one is being thoroughly investigated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
He was speaking after four police officers were injured in three incidents over the space two weekends.
An off-duty police officer who stepped in after she saw a disturbance involving a man and a woman at Camana Bay last Saturday was hit by the man.
A security guard restrained the alleged attacker, but the suspect left the area. Officers later traced an individual and arrested him.
The 40-year-old man, from West Bay, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, causing actual bodily harm and causing harassment, alarm and distress.
He was also charged with ganja consumption and possession of an offensive weapon.
There were two other incidents on Saturday, 16 Aug. where officers were attacked.
A male police officer was bitten by a 26-year-old man and a female colleague suffered minor injuries after they were called to a domestic dispute on that morning.
The man, from East End, was alleged to be in violation of bail conditions.
He was charged with several offences, including resisting arrest and assaulting the two officers.
Another officer was bitten by a dog at a house on that same afternoon as police tried to arrest a man for taking a vehicle that belonged to someone he knew without permission.
The 26-year man, from Bodden Town, was arrested on allegations that he struggled with police, resisted arrest and damaged police property.
He was also charged with taking the vehicle without consent and driving without insurance.
All the police involved in the incidents were taken to hospital for treatment and later released.
“Policing is perhaps the only profession where the possibility of being assaulted is something you accept as part of the job,” Walton said.
“Despite this risk, our police officers serve their communities diligently every single day.
“However, this does not mean that such actions are condoned by the legal system or should be seen as acceptable by the public.”
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