The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) has a new deputy commissioner following the retirement of Anthony Ennis after 45 years of service.
Governor Jane Owen announced the appointment of Robert Atkin MBE as deputy commissioner, while Brad Ebanks has been named acting assistant commissioner.
Both officers assumed their new roles on 1 August.
The appointments followed an open recruitment process involving local and international candidates, RCIPS said in a press release on 3 August.
The process was overseen by the independent Police Service Commission and endorsed by the National Security Council.
Atkin previously served as assistant commissioner and joined the RCIPS Senior Command Team after a policing career in the United Kingdom.
In announcing the appointments, Owen praised Atkin’s experience and leadership, saying he brought “a wealth of experience” and a strong understanding of the Cayman Islands’ security challenges.
She also congratulated Ebanks on his promotion, describing his nearly four decades of policing experience as vital to the fight against crime.
The governor paid tribute to Ennis, thanking him for over 40 years of dedicated service to the RCIPS and Cayman.
Police commissioner Kurt Walton said the deputy commissioner plays a key role in overseeing operational policing, including detective and uniform branches, and providing strategic leadership across the service.
He thanked Ennis for his long service and said he was confident Atkin would continue that tradition.
Walton also welcomed Ebanks to the Senior Command Team, noting he brings 39 years of experience with the RCIPS.
Atkin said it was “a tremendous honour” to be appointed deputy commissioner and thanked the Police Service Commission, the governor and the commissioner for their confidence in him.
He also paid tribute to Ennis, saying the retiring deputy commissioner leaves behind “a significant legacy”.
“As deputy commissioner, my commitment is to provide strong and visible leadership, support our people, uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and continue strengthening the trust and confidence that our communities place in the RCIPS,” Atkin said.
Ebanks said he was honoured to take on the acting assistant commissioner role and looked forward to working with colleagues to provide collaborative leadership while continuing to deliver a professional policing service.
The Police Service Commission, established in 2021, is responsible for recruiting senior RCIPS officers and promoting accountability and public confidence in the police service.
