The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service is reviewing its staffing levels on Cayman’s Sister Islands to determine whether there are enough officers stationed there.
The Brac has an estimated 14 police officers to monitor a population of about 1,750, according to District Commissioner Ernie Scott.
On the tiny island of Little Cayman, there are just two police officers…a husband and wife team. Mr. Scott said the permanent population of Little Cayman is difficult to determine. He estimated it at somewhere between 200 and 500 depending on the season.
Sister Islands Opposition MLA Julianna O’Connor-Connolly recently questioned Police Commissioner Stuart Kernohan about RCIPS staffing, particularly on Little Cayman. Ms O’Connor-Connolly wondered whether at least one more officer should be stationed there ‘for checks and balances’ purposes.
Mr. Kernohan said a staff review is one of the first issues the newly-appointed Sister Island’s police commander Patrick Beersingh will have to consider.
‘I’ve asked Patrick Beersingh to look at the policing requirements…and if he requires additional resources then we’ll look at that,’ Mr. Kernohan said.
However, the commissioner noted the number of police calls on the Sister Islands, when compared to the much larger population of Grand Cayman, are relatively few.
‘There is a low level of requirement for police officers on Little Cayman, and not a really increased requirement on Cayman Brac either,’ he said. ‘But we keep it under review to see if there’s sufficient policing.’
Mr. Kernohan said in the case of Little Cayman’s husband-and-wife police team taking leave together, other officers would be temporarily assigned to the island to ensure continuous service.
‘We make sure that every time one or either of the officers is off the island, then they’re replaced with sufficient police officers.’
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