Cayman’s new top cop has been named and is set to take up his post as RCIP Commissioner within the next two months.
Stuart Kernohan has served in two large constabularies – Strathclyde and Merseyside – in the UK and is presently Assistant Chief Constable with the Merseyside force.
Making the announcement on Thursday, Governor Bruce Dinwiddy described Mr. Kernohan as, ‘an exceptional candidate in a very strong field of eight senior police officers who were short-listed for interview.
‘I am confident that Mr. Kernohan has the breadth and depth of experience to provide the leadership, strategic direction and dynamism that the RCIP needs to ensure that the Cayman Islands remains a safe and secure country in which to live, work and visit,’ he added.
Mr. Kernohan, born in Bellshill, Scotland in 1961 and married with three children, comes to Cayman on a four year contract.
He joined the Strathclyde Police in 1979, rising to the rank of Chief Inspector before transferring to the Merseyside Police in 1998.
Whilst at Merseyside he was head of CID with responsibility for major investigations including murder, organised and commercial crime.
In 1999 he was promoted to Chief Superintendent and became responsible for force-wide projects, including gun crime.
Last year he took over as Chief Superintendent Operational Support Unit, commanding more than 500 specialist staff including tactical firearms units, and establishing Matrix Team, responsible for combating gang related crimes.
He was recently promoted to acting Assistant Chief Constable responsible for crime, intelligence and operational support.
Mr. Kernohan has a diploma in applied criminology from Cambridge University and his hobbies include diving and flying helicopters.
‘I warmly welcome this opportunity to make a significant contribution to the Cayman Islands,’ said Mr. Kernohan.
‘While I do not underestimate the challenges, I already know that I have the firm support of the Governor and the Cayman Islands Government.
‘Working in partnership with the community, I am certain we can assure the security and prosperity of the Cayman Islands for the future,’ he said.
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