🚨 Rising concern over illegal firearms in Cayman Islands

Over the past seven years, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) has confiscated 126 illegal firearms, with 19 seized so far this year. Police Commissioner Kurt Walton has expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of gun crime, stating that the illegal importation of firearms poses a significant national security threat. Walton, the first Caymanian to lead the RCIPS since 2005, emphasized the need to address the issue of firearm importation to prevent further escalation of the situation. 🚔

Walton's tenure as commissioner began with a murder case involving a firearm, and since then he has been dealing with a surge in violent crimes, including armed robberies and attempted murder. The commissioner urged the community to trust the police and report any corrupt officers. Despite acknowledging the existence of corruption within the force, Walton defended the integrity of many officers and their commitment to maintaining public safety. He also highlighted the need for better training to equip officers to handle evolving issues in modern law enforcement. 🚨

During a community meeting, Walton addressed a range of concerns raised by residents, including a spike in serious crime, traffic issues, and anti-social behavior. He reiterated his commitment to engaging with the community and fostering a police service that collaborates with and is accountable to the public. The final district meeting for this round will be held in George Town at the Constitutional Hall. 🏛️