Cayman’s acting governor has backed a call by Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton for tougher sentences for assaults on officers and other emergency services staff, as well as improved protective equipment.
Franz Manderson, standing in for Governor Jane Owen, promised a “zero tolerance” approach to attacks on police and other law enforcement personnel.
“These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect the people of our beloved islands and attacks against them are attacks against the very foundation of law and order,” he said.
He was speaking on Monday, 1 Sept. after the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service revealed it had logged the 26th attack on an officer so far this year – more than three assaults a month.
“I will discuss this matter with HE the Governor upon her return and with the Premier and Cabinet colleagues to determine what additional measures can be put in place to prevent these assaults,” he said.
Police said that a suspected drink driver had punched an officer after a passing patrol found him in his stationary car on George Town’s Shedden Road in the early hours of last Saturday.
A police spokeswoman said the man, 31, from Bodden Town, “appeared to be distressed” and that police spoke to him out of concern for his welfare.
But, after the man got out of the vehicle to talk to police, he was suspected to be in charge of a car while under the influence.
Police officers restrained him when he tried to get back inside the vehicle.
The man is alleged to have launched an attack on the arresting officers, punching one in the face.
The man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting police, threatening to kill, being in charge of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and disorderly conduct at a police station.
The spokeswoman said the man remained in custody as further investigations are carried out.
She added, “The public is once again being reminded that resisting or obstructing police, along with assaulting the police, are all criminal offences and will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.”
Walton on Monday, August 25, said more front line officers would be equipped with tasers and all would get bodycams after a trial of the recording devices.
He added that bodycams would discourage people from attacking officers and also protect personnel against allegations against them.
Walton said only firearms-trained officers were equipped with tasers at present, but the force was considering training more officers in the electric stun guns to add an extra layer of protection against violent criminals.
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I could be wrong but I don’t recall Acting Governor/DG Manderson chiming in when a senior public official was found burned to death in her car and CIPS’ “investigation” was clouded in secrecy until they announced that she “was not murdered” and there would be no further probe for any suspects. A gruesome act swept aside like the lady was an animal!
But people getting physical with inept and probably rude and aggressive police orifices gets all sort of outcry from Mr. Manderson.
Just saying!
Very true! Many other very suspicious disappearances over the years with no such support for people to properly support themselves.
These types of unprovoked attacks on Police Officers who are doing their jobs must be stopped – Zero Tolerance. We need Law and Order in our Islands, and a crack-down on this type of gangster renegade behaviour by a minority of citizens. Tough penalties…including HARD LABOUR, not the luxury of a Prison only.
For Non-Caymanians (Work Permit Holders), immediately arrest them, Revoke their Work Permits, and Deport them.