Anti-crime efforts in the Turks and Caicos Islands are bearing fruit, with police reporting significant reductions in serious violent offences over the past year.

In a message to the nation on December 31, Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey said sustained enforcement, intelligence-led policing and community cooperation contributed to sharp declines in major crimes across the islands in 2025. 

According to police data, murders fell by 43.5 per cent, while attempted murders dropped by 25 per cent. 

Reports of rape declined by 22 per cent, and incidents involving the discharge of firearms were down 29 per cent. 

Cases of brandishing and licensing firearms also fell by 29 per cent.

The top cop also revealed police also recovered 22 illegal firearms and seized more than 500 rounds of assorted ammunition during the year. 

Bailey said several major gang networks were dismantled, with many suspects now before the courts.

The commissioner noted that while most operations were carried out without incident, officers took decisive action in situations where they were violently challenged.

“The past year has been marked by significant progress in our collective fight against crime. Through the dedication of our officers and the steadfast support of our communities, we have achieved measurable success not only in reducing crime but also in reducing the fear of crime across our islands,” he said.

Beyond enforcement, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force expanded its human resource capacity through local and international training and strengthened partnerships with community groups, social organisations and regional law enforcement agencies. 

Bailey said these relationships have helped reduce not only crime, but also public fear.

Looking ahead to 2026, the police force plans to increase its staff complement, improve administrative resilience and place greater emphasis on professional development and promotions. 

Community policing and early intervention strategies are also expected to play a larger role, alongside enhanced intelligence-gathering networks.

Bailey reaffirmed that the police will continue targeting gangs, guns and gunmen across all islands, including Grand Turk, North and Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Salt Cay and surrounding cays.

He also thanked members of the public for providing information that led to arrests, firearm seizures and drug interdictions, stressing that cooperation between residents and law enforcement remains critical to maintaining public safety.