| Agencyname: | Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force |
| Commonname: | Police |
| Abbreviation: | RTCIPF |
| Flag: | File:Flag of the Turks and Caicos Islands.svg |
| Flagcaption: | Flag of the Turks and Caicos Islands |
| Formedyear: | 1799 |
| Country: | British Overseas Territories |
| National: | yes |
| Divtype: | Police area |
| Divname: | Turks and Caicos Islands |
| Map: | Turks and Caicos Islands in United Kingdom (special marker).svg |
| Sizearea: | 238 miles² |
| Sizepopulation: | Approx 32,000 |
| Police: | yes |
| Local: | yes |
| Headquarters: | Grand Turk Island |
| Sworntype: | Constables |
| Sworn: | 225 full-time (plus special constables) |
| Chief1name: | Trevor Botting |
| Chief1position: | Commissioner |
| Officetype: | Division |
| Stations: | 11 (9 community, 1 airport, 1 marine) |
| Website: | Official Website |
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is the national police force of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Lucayan Archipelago of the Atlantic Ocean and northern West Indies. It is one of the oldest police forces in the world.
The RTCIPF was formed in 1799, when John Dunmore was appointed 'High Constable', with three 'Special Constables' appointed to assist him in maintaining law and order throughout the island group. They were named the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and have operated ever since.[1]
As the RTCIPF polices a British territory, but is also geographically closer to the United States (US), it is influenced by both in style and practice. Examples include traditional United Kingdom (UK) type uniforms and rank designations (from Constable to Commissioner), and the use of US type police vehicles, such as the Ford Police Interceptor Utility.[2]
The force is headed by a Commissioner of Police, and is divided into two operational divisions:
There are several specialist operational units, including a financial crime unit. There is a marine unit, equipped with inshore and ocean-going patrol vessels.[3]
There is also a tactical unit equipped with former PSNI armoured Land Rover Tangis.[4] The tactical unit is commanded by a Chief Superintendent.[4]
As a British Overseas Territory, at times of crisis the RTCIPF receives assistance from other agencies, such as the British Armed Forces. This happened in the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, when the Standing Joint Force Headquarters Group (a tri-service support group of sailors, marines, soldiers, and airmen who support governments during crises[5]