News

The Police Service Commission (PSC) announces the appointment of Mr. Robert Atkin, MBE to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS).
“I am pleased to see the culmination of this recruitment process result in the appointment of a highly experienced and capable candidate, Mr. Robert Atkin MBE, who brings years of policing expertise in the UK to support us in delivering on our objectives here in the Cayman Islands, says Governor Jane Owen, who is the chair of the PSC.
The PSC is an independent body, established in 2021 with the specific responsibilities for the senior appointments and promotions within the RCIPS (Superintendent rank and higher ranks), and the good governance of the RCIPS.
Commissioner of Police, Kurt Walton, voiced his support for this recruitment: “I congratulate and welcome ACP, Robert Atkin on his selection and appointment and extend thanks to the PSC for their oversight in the interview and selection process. I look forward to working closely with ACP Atkin on developing plans to deliver on the recently released RCIPS Strategic Policing Plan 2024 – 2026. We have much work to do, and ACP Atkin’s experience and expertise will no doubt offer fresh perspectives on how we can tackle the tasks ahead of us”.
ACP Atkin began his policing career in 1990 when he joined the Metropolitan Police Service as a Police Cadet before becoming a Constable in April 1994. Since this time, he has worked across many specialist areas including road policing, uniform response, community policing, and firearms unit.
In 2014, when appointed Chief Superintendent, he took on senior roles such as Head of Strategic Training and Development for the MET, and in 2016, he took over as Commander for Aviation policing. This role saw him responsible for policing of London Heathrow and London City airports, which included oversight of specialist investigations targeting international organised criminality.
In 2018 ACP Atkin was appointed Commander for the MET’s Specialist Firearms Department, responsible for the response to all firearms related incidents and high threat incidents in London. He then went on to lead recruitment for the MET, before becoming the Commander for Southeast London in 2020.
ACP Atkin transferred to the City of London Police in May 2021 where he was responsible for HQ services, leading on force strategic development. His final role in the City of London Police was Directorate Head responsible for all uniform policing operations and departments ranging from firearms, traffic, response, communities, and public order. ACP Atkin has led the response for a number of innovative operations at the City of London, particularly increasing safety of women and girls in the night time economy.
In 2014 ACP Atkin was awarded the MBE by her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth for his work supporting families of Police Officers killed in the line of duty.
ACP Atkin continues to be an active Strategic Firearms Commander, CBRN Gold Commander and Counter Terrorism Security Advisor and has recently been successful on the College of Policing Strategic Command Course.
ACP Atkin, says “Being appointed as Assistant Commissioner of Police for the RCIPS is an honour and privilege. I look forward to working across the RCIPS units to ensure our staff have the absolute best leadership, support and care so they can do their best job for our communities”.