What’s it really like to police in the Cayman Islands—and why is the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service actively recruiting experienced UK and international officers?
In this Policing TV interview, Assistant Commissioner Rob Atkin MBE talks to Ian Tomson-Smith about his journey from the Met and City of London Police to leading in a British Overseas Territory. He explains how Royal Cayman Islands Police Serce (RCIPS) polices three islands with around 375 officers, a diverse workforce drawing from Caymanian, Caribbean, UK and Canadian officers, and why they’re now planning a major intake of 50 local recruits.
Rob outlines the specialist skills they’re looking to bring in—from firearms, safeguarding and CID, to digital forensics, surveillance and financial crime—so they can mentor and develop local officers. He also highlights the islands’ high detection rate, the push to become more technology and data-driven, and the crucial support and collaboration across Overseas Territories, the FCDO and UK partners.
The conversation ends with a very human invitation: for recently retired and serving experienced officers to consider a life-changing move that combines serious policing with a unique island lifestyle and a chance to make a visible difference to the Caymanian community.
This 12-part video series (Sept 2025–Aug 2026) will explore policing across the 14 British Overseas Territories (BOTs), combining operational insight with human stories of resilience, innovation, and community trust. Aimed at a global policing audience, it will inspire professionals to consider unique career opportunities while highlighting the UK’s commitment to ethical, inclusive, and locally adapted policing in some of the world’s most remote and diverse jurisdictions.
Each monthly episode will focus on one territory, featuring:
- Senior officer perspectives on challenges, priorities, and vision
- Frontline accounts from officers and community members
- Cultural and operational context unique to each location
- A strategic theme, such as women in policing, domestic abuse prevention, disaster response, or innovation in
- isolation
- A takeaway message relevant to policing worldwide
- And a recruitment call to action – we need help and support to keep this amazing service going !
Recurring features – including A Day in the Life, Ask the Commissioner, and Innovation Spotlight – will give a consistent structure while showcasing individual character and creativity across forces.
Themes woven throughout include gender equality, tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG), community trust, cross-cultural policing, and professional opportunities for secondments, post-retirement roles, and career transitions.
At its heart, this is a people-first series: celebrating service, promoting inclusion, and inviting skilled professionals to be part of something meaningful.
Takeaways
- Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) has 375 officers and polices three islands with big-city-style challenges.
- The service is planning a local recruitment class of around 50 constables.
- They’re actively seeking experienced officers to mentor and coach new Caymanian recruits.
- Priority skills include CID, safeguarding, firearms, public order, CBRN, digital forensics, surveillance and financial crime.
- RCIPS still aims to attend every call and investigate every crime, achieving around a 50% detection rate.
- The Commissioner is driving a shift to more technology-enabled and data-driven policing.
- Cayman works closely with other Overseas Territories, FCDO and UK units for training and mutual aid.
- Initiatives like Women in Policing and 16 days of action on VAWG are central across the territories.
- For the right people, a move to Cayman is a genuine life-changing opportunity in policing and lifestyle.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Rob Atkins and His Journey
03:21 – Recruitment Needs and Officer Qualifications
07:48 – Daily Operations and Unique Challenges in Policing
10:02 – Surprises and Achievements in the Cayman Police
12:30 – Support from Other Territories and Collaborative Efforts
14:50 – Focus on Women in Policing and Community Initiatives
16:04 – Closing Thoughts and Encouragement for New Officers
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