👮‍♂️ UK's former Metropolitan Police officer appointed as Cayman Islands' first assistant police commissioner

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has appointed Robert Atkin MBE, a former officer from London’s Metropolitan Police Service, as the Cayman Islands' first assistant commissioner of police (ACP). This new rank is immediately below the position of deputy commissioner, currently held by Anthony Ennis. Governor Jane Owen, who chairs the PSC, expressed her satisfaction with the appointment of Atkin, citing his extensive experience and capabilities in the field of policing. 🚔

Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton has welcomed Atkin and is looking forward to collaborating with him on the recently released RCIPS Strategic Policing Plan 2024-2026. However, despite the praises, Atkin's past includes a misconduct allegation from 2020, where a UK policing misconduct panel found that he had breached professional behaviour standards. The panel deemed his actions as poor judgment rather than deliberate wrongdoing. The PSC press release about Atkin's appointment did not mention this incident. 📰

Atkin began his policing career with the Metropolitan Police Service in 1990, and held various positions including chief superintendent, commander for aviation policing, and commander for the MPS’s Specialist Firearms Department. In May 2021, he transferred to the City of London Police, where he was responsible for HQ services. His final role there was directorate head, responsible for all uniform policing operations and departments. Atkin expressed his honour and privilege at being appointed as Assistant Commissioner of Police for the RCIPS. 👮‍♂️