New Top Cop named

New Commissioner of Police
Stuart Kernohan

Monday,  September 19, 2005

In the face of rising crime figures and recruitment difficulties announced at the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service’s (RCIPS) press briefing on Thursday 15 September, the Governor’s office has released details of the new RCIPS Commissioner. Stuart Kernohan, a Scotsman from the Merseyside Police Force in England will start the four-year contract within two months.

Commenting on the appointment HE the Governor Bruce Dinwiddy said: “Stuart Kernohan was an exceptional candidate in a very strong field of eight senior police officers who were short-listed for interview.

I am confident that Mr Kernohan has the breadth and depth of experience to provide the leadership, strategic direction and dynamism that the RCIPS needs to ensure that the Cayman Islands remains a safe and secure country in which to live, work and visit.”

Mr Kernohan is currently employed as Assistant Chief Constable in the Merseyside Police Force, with responsibility for serious crime reduction, including units successfully employing innovative methods to tackle gang-related firearms violence.

He began his police career with the Strathcylde Police in 1979, rising to the rank of Chief Inspector before transferring to the Merseyside Police Force in 1998. Whilst at Merseyside he was Head of CID with responsibility for all major investigations, including murder, organised crime, commercial crime and other specialist crime operations. 

In 1999 he was promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent, BCU Commander and then transferred to Force-wide Services, responsible for major force-wide projects, including Gun-Crime.

In 2004 he took over as Chief Superintendent Operational Support Unit, commanding over 500 specialist staff, including tactical firearms units and establishing Matrix Team, responsible for combating gang-related crimes.

He was recently promoted to (Acting) Assistant Chief Constable responsible for Crime, Intelligence and Operational Support.

Having served in two large constabularies within the UK he has gained years of experience in delivering differing policing styles to widely diverse communities. He also holds a Diploma in Applied Criminology from Cambridge University.

“I warmly welcome this opportunity to make a significant contribution to the Cayman Islands,” said the Commissioner designate.

“While I do not underestimate the challenges, I already know that I have the firm support of H.E. the Governor and the Cayman Islands Government. Working in partnership with the community, I am certain we can assure the security and prosperity of the Cayman Islands for the future.”

Until Mr Kernohan takes up his position Rudolph Dixon will continue as Acting Commissioner of Police, with Anthony Ennis as Acting Deputy Commissioner.

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