Special Constables step into the storm to help the public

Commandant Richard Harris (r) with daughter Special
Constable Julie

Friday, September 24, 2004

Appointed on 1 July as Commandant overseeing the Special Constables in the Royal Cayman Islands Police (RCIP), Richard Harris has overseen this sector of the RCIP with admirable aplomb in the aftermath of hurricane Ivan. Having just retired from PriceWaterhouseCoopers as a partner, this past week has shown him that retirement can be an unpredictable time of life.

The Special Constables or ‘specials’ as they are called, held a general meeting a few nights before it became evident that Ivan was coming in the general direction of the Cayman Islands. The specials at the meeting were told their services would be required and those not present were e-mailed about their roles in the impending storm.

Mr Harris stated that a good number of specials had pre-committed to work in the hurricane shelters. “Forty specials had pre-committed to work in the shelters and that has been the front line response of the specials,” he said. After the storm passed specials came in to George Town, Bodden Town, and West Bay to offer their services as needed.

Traditionally, specials work alongside the regular force. In this state of emergency, with the regular force stretched, the specials have provided additional, needed manpower. Some specials have worked at the supermarkets’ reopening, ensuring the safe distribution of foods to the public.

As a result of the state of emergency, citizens have come forward to take the oath to become special constables. “While we have no statistics, there has been a tremendous response from the public for becoming specials in this extraordinary situation,” said Mr Harris. Mr Harris took a minute to count 70 such individuals. He pointed out that these individuals are not specials in full respect, as training is required, but the oath they take grants them proper authority to assist the police.

With these new volunteers, Mr Harris’ real hope is that these individuals can help promote neighbourhood watches. Just before the interview, two people from Coco Retreats were sworn in as special constables. “I hope that they go back and talk to friends and neighbours and set up their own systems of patrol.

Mr Harris stressed that specials are not encouraged to take the law into their own hands, but rather to be present in their communities with flashlights and the provided police tee-shirts. “Presence alone can be an enormous preventative measure,” said Mr Harris.

When Mr Harris swears in the new specials, he encourages them to observe criminal behaviour in their neighbourhoods and to report such behaviour to the police stations. “There’s no need for them to get into confrontational situations with offenders. By observing and reporting they are doing their jobs, and the police can take it from there,” said Mr Harris.

The havoc of Ivan has created hundreds of small independent committees that specials have helped to bring about. “We are encouraging these communities to police themselves and if they can, organize other functions like clean-ups. I’m sure the government wouldn’t be displeased to see neat piles of debris arranged for proper clean-up,” said Mr Harris.

One person who came forward to take the oath to become a special was Mr Harris’ own daughter, Julie Harris, 26. “I usually work for the Traffic Department but that is not in operation right now so I wanted to volunteer and assist in any way I can,” Ms Harris said.

Ms Harris has been doing 12 hour shifts and believes her presence has made a difference in assisting the public with the days following the storm. “Being there for people in need and bringing help to people make me glad I came forward,” she said. She turned and joked saying that her father made her volunteer.

She admitted she too has benefited from the experience and encouraged people to consider becoming specials, but also to be aware they may have to warn people whom they know about the laws of the land. “It can be a challenge but it is rewarding,” she said. Her father has taken great pride in his daughter’s participation.

The main theme throughout Mr Harris’ comments was his genuine hope that neighbourhood watches regain strength and commitment and that newly-sworn in specials lead this return. “These watches are the best preventative measures and greatly help to eliminate the chances of petty looting to occur,” said Mr Harris.

With many residents leaving the island at a rapid pace, Mr Harris stated that these neighbourhood watches can be watchful of the houses of neighbours and friends. “Prevention is worth an ounce of cure as the saying goes,” said Mr Harris.

People have praised the work of the specials all over the island. “It hasn’t all sunk in just yet. This work is rewarding. The work that’s been done and the response of new volunteers, it’s overwhelming,” said Mr Harris.

Those interested in creating their own neighbourhood watches can contact Mr Harris through the Central Command at 949-4222. Mr Harris stated that if people cannot come to see him, his department is more than happy to make arrangements to go to people in their neighbourhoods.

“Hopefully, all this community support will not disappear after our society slowly recovers from the devastation. This could start a whole new way of life or at least a new aspect in the Cayman Islands,” concluded Mr Harris.

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