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{{short description|Police service of Montserrat}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2012}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Primary sources|date=August 2021}}
{{Original research|date=March 2021}}
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{{Use British English|date=November 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2013}}
{{Infobox law enforcement agency
{{Infobox law enforcement agency
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|patch =
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|patchcaption =
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|logo = File:Royal Montserrat Police.png
|logo =
|logocaption = Royal Montserrat Police logo
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|dmap =
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|sizearea = 39 square miles<ref>http://police.gov.ms/8-2/</ref>
|sizearea = 39 square miles<ref>http://police.gov.ms/8-2/</ref>
|sizepopulation = approx. 5,879<ref>http://police.gov.ms/8-2/</ref>
|sizepopulation = 4,649 (2018)<ref>https://statistics.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/FINAL-REPORT-KEY-FINDINGS-CENSUS-LABOUR-FORCE-SURVEY-2018-.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>
|legaljuris =
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|governingbody =
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|overviewtype =
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|headquarters = Royal Montserrat Police Service, Government of Headquarters, Brades, P.O. Box 177, MSR 1110, [[Montserrat]]
|headquarters =
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|minister1name =
|minister1name =
|minister1pfo =
|minister1pfo =
|chief1name = Steve Foster, JP, B.Sc., CPA.
|chief1name = Mark Payne QPM MBA
|chief1position = Commissioner
|chief1position = Temporary Commissioner
|parentagency =
|parentagency =
|child1agency =
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|stationtype =
|stationtype =
|stations =
|stations =
|website = [http://police.gov.ms/?fbclid=IwAR2zzczREihy0b7fP829Nstanmi12998b8xPqYbKGrBQEV575BKrOyXAYPs website link]
|website = [https://www.gov.ms/government/ministries/non-ministerial-departments/royal-montserrat-police-service-rmps/ Official Website]
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
|reference =
|reference =
}}
}}


The '''Royal Montserrat Police Service''' is the [[Police Force|police service]] of the [[British Overseas Territory]] island of [[Montserrat]] in the [[Caribbean]].
{{short description|Police service of Montserrat}}


As of May 2024, the Commissioner of Police is Mark Payne QPM MBA, a career police officer of [[West Midlands Police]] in [[England]]. Mark retired from [[West Midlands Police]] in March 2024, where he served as Detective Chief Superintendent and Head of West Midlands Regional Counter Terrorism Unit.
'''Royal Montserrat Police Service''' is the [[Police Force|police service]] of British Overseas Territory of [[Montserrat]] in the [[Caribbean]]. The current Commissioner is Steve Foster, JP, B.Sc., CPA., a native and career police officer of [[Montserrat]]<ref>http://police.gov.ms/8-2/leadership/executive/</ref>.


==History==
==History==
The Police Force of Montserrat was a division of the [[Leeward Islands]] Police Force, which served [[Antigua]], [[Saint Kitts|St Kitts]] and [[Nevis]], [[Anguilla]], [[Montserrat]] and the [[British Virgin Islands]], with Headquarters in Antigua. The Leeward Islands Colony was dissolved in 1959 and the Montserrat Police Force became a division of the Antigua, Montserrat, and British Virgin Islands Police Force. The [[Royal title|Royal Title]] was bestowed on the force in 1966, and The Royal Montserrat Police Service became autonomous on the 27 February 1967.
The Police Force of Montserrat was a division of the [[Leeward Islands]] Police Force, which served [[Antigua]], [[Saint Kitts|St Kitts]] and [[Nevis]], [[Anguilla]], [[Montserrat]] and the [[British Virgin Islands]], with headquarters in Antigua. The Leeward Islands Colony was dissolved in 1959 and the Montserrat Police Force became a division of the Antigua, Montserrat, and British Virgin Islands Police Force. The [[Royal title|Royal Title]] was bestowed on the force in 1966, and The Royal Montserrat Police Service became autonomous on 27 February 1967.


Between the years 1967 and 2007 there was one Chief of Police and ten [[Police commissioner|Commissioners of Police]] from countries such as [[United Kingdom]], [[Guyana]], [[St Kitts-Nevis]] and even native islanders.
Between the years 1967 and 2007, there was one Chief of Police and ten [[Police commissioner|Commissioners of Police]] from countries such as [[United Kingdom]], [[Guyana]], [[St Kitts-Nevis]] and even native islanders.


The police service also ran a football team that played in the [[Montserrat Championship]], the top level of football on the island. They were the most successful club winning the league four times.
The police service also ran a football team that played in the [[Montserrat Championship]], the top level of football on the island. They were the most successful club winning the league four times.


The RMPS celebrated its 50th anniversary in February 2017, having been disbanded from the Leeward Islands Police Force in 1967.<ref>http://police.gov.ms/?fbclid=IwAR2zzczREihy0b7fP829Nstanmi12998b8xPqYbKGrBQEV575BKrOyXAYPs</ref>
The RMPS celebrated its 50th anniversary in February 2017, having been disbanded from the Leeward Islands Police Force in 1967.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://police.gov.ms/ |title=Royal Montserrat Police Service - Royal Montserrat Police Service |access-date=11 December 2008 |archive-date=13 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813094549/http://police.gov.ms/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Structure and Duties==
==Structure and Duties==
The RMPS is a civilian, local police force and has authority to uphold the Queen's peace throughout the territory. The RMPS website states that their duty is:<ref>http://police.gov.ms/?fbclid=IwAR2zzczREihy0b7fP829Nstanmi12998b8xPqYbKGrBQEV575BKrOyXAYPs</ref>
The RMPS is a civilian, local police force and has authority to uphold the King's peace throughout the territory. The RMPS website states that their duty is:
*Preservation of the Queen’s Peace,
*Preservation of the King's Peace,
*Protection of Life & Property,
*Protection of Life & Property,
*Prevention and Detection of Crime and
*Prevention and Detection of Crime and
*Bringing Offenders to Justice.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://police.gov.ms/ |title=Royal Montserrat Police Service - Royal Montserrat Police Service |access-date=11 December 2008 |archive-date=13 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813094549/http://police.gov.ms/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Bringing Offenders to Justice.


===Departments/Units===
The Commissioner is assisted by:<ref>http://police.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Organisational-Chart-Police-3.jpg</ref>
The RMPS is divided into five main departments, each with a specific function.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gov.ms/government/ministries/non-ministerial-departments/royal-montserrat-police-service-rmps/ | title=Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS) }}</ref>
*Deputy Commissioner of Police
*Superintendent Operations
''Leaders & Departments''
*Inspector - Beat & Patrol
*Inspector - Marine & Immigration
*Inspector - [[Criminal Investigation Department]]
*Inspector - Human Resource, Training, Traffic, IT, Communication, Salem Station
*Sergeant - Financial Crime Analysis Unit (FCAU)
*Business Manager


These are:
Each department then has a number of Sergeants, Constables, clerical Officers and other roles to operate that department.
*Beat & Patrol
*Traffic Department
*Marine & Immigration Department
*Human Resource/Training/IT Department
*Criminal Investigation Department (CID)/Criminal Records Office


===Rank structure===
The key departments are:<ref>http://police.gov.ms/</ref>
The management rank structure of the RMPS follows that of most [[UK]] and [[British Overseas Territories]].<ref>http://police.gov.ms/8-2/#</ref>
*Beats & Patrol
*Criminal Investigations
*Marine
*Traffic


The Commissioner (head of the service) is assisted by a Deputy Commissioner of Police and Superintendent of Operations.<ref>http://police.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Organisational-Chart-Police-3.jpg {{Bare URL image|date=March 2022}}</ref>
Which are supported by:
*Human Resources
*Information Technology
*Scenes of Crimes (SOCO)
*Financial Crimes Analysis
*Canine
*Court & Processes
*Interpol

==Rank Structure==
The management rank structure of the RMPS follows that of most [[UK]] and [[British Overseas Territories]].<ref>http://police.gov.ms/8-2/#</ref>


===Regular Ranks===
====Regular Ranks====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
*Commissioner of Police (COP)
|+ [[Police ranks of the United Kingdom|Ranks of the Royal Montserrat Police Service]]
*Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)
|-
*Superintendent (Operations) (Sup Ops)
! Rank<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uniforminsignia.org/?option=com_insigniasearch&result=2536|title=Royal Montserrat Police Force /}}</ref>
*Inspector (OIC Departments)
| '''Commissioner of Police'''<br />(COP)
*Sergeant (SPO)
| '''Deputy Commissioner of Police'''<br />(DCP)
*Constable (PC)
| [[Superintendent (police)#United Kingdom|Superintendent of Police]]<br />(Sup Ops)
| [[Inspector#United Kingdom|Inspector of Police]]<br />(OIC Departments)
| [[Sergeant#United Kingdom|Sergeant]]<br />(SPO)
| [[Constable#United Kingdom|Constable]]<br />(PC)
|-
! Insignia
| [[File:Chief Constable.svg|Chief Constable|80px]]
| [[File:Deputy Chief Constable.svg|DCC|80px]]
| [[File:Supt.svg|UK Police Superintendent Epaulette|80px]]
| [[File:Insp.svg|UK Police Inspector Epaulette|80px]]
| [[File:PS Epaulette.svg|UK Patrol Sergeant Epaulette|80px]]
| [[File:UK police constable epaulette, 2016.svg|UK Police Constable Epaulette|80px]]
|}


===New “Recognition Ranks”===
====New "Recognition Ranks"====


*Chief Inspector
*Chief Inspector
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*Senior Constable
*Senior Constable


===New “Marine Unit Ranks”===
====New "Marine Unit Ranks"====


*Marine Sergeant (MS)
*Marine Sergeant (MS)
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*Able Body Seaman (ABS)
*Able Body Seaman (ABS)
*Ordinary Seaman (OS)
*Ordinary Seaman (OS)

===Women Police Constables===
Female constables are still known as [[Women Police Constable]]s (WPC),<ref>https://www.facebook.com/1464208687234758/photos/a.1488159608172999/2569429476712668/?type=3&theater</ref> although other British forces have dropped the 'W' prefix.


===Special Constables===
===Special Constables===
The RMPS employs [[Special Constables]] to assist regular constables, or to act as specialists and support regulars on 'Special Duty Police Assignments', if necessary.<ref>http://police.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Marine-Tech-Special-Constable-2014.pdf</ref>
The RMPS employs [[special constable]]s to assist regular constables, or to act as specialists and support regulars on 'Special Duty Police Assignments', if necessary.<ref>http://police.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Marine-Tech-Special-Constable-2014.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>


==Uniforms and Equipment==
==Uniform==
The RMPS employs a variety of staff & constables and each have different types of uniform and equipment, to perform their duties effectively.
The uniform of the RMPS follows that of a typical [[United Kingdom|British]] Caribbean Overseas Territory and thus incorporates typical British [[police]] and military customs and pieces of uniform.


===Uniform===
The uniform of the RMPS can be roughly divided into several categories:
RMPS uniform is typical of British & Caribbean police forces' uniforms, with several different types for different duties, ranks and seasons. It is modelled on other [[UK]] and [[British Overseas Territories]] police uniforms.


===Formal Dress===
===Formal Uniform===
The formal uniform is for ceremonial and important occasions, such as Remembrance Days, VE Day celebrations, Royal events,<ref>https://www.facebook.com/Royal-Montserrat-Police-Service-1464208687234758/photos/2911963289125950 {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref> etc.
This is worn for the most formal of occasions, such as police pass-out/graduation parades:<ref>https://www.themontserratreporter.com/six-new-police-officers-confirmed-in-the-royal-montserrat-police-services/</ref><ref>https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/12487212_1550131155309177_4278651238942914091_o.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_sid=6e5ad9&_nc_ohc=ArBzXWx_dhMAX_GLsA0&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&oh=873050dd508399cadc7873071e715c0c&oe=5EF545D1</ref>


It consists of:
'''''Males'''''
*Pith helmet with chinstrap
*White tunic with silver buttons and a high standing collar
*Black belt with silver front buckle and bayonet scabbard
*Black trousers with silver/white piping on the sides
*White gloves
*Black polished shoes/boots.


===="Blues"====
'''''Females'''''
This is similar to the [[British Army]]'s No. 2/service dress uniform.
*Bowler cap
*White tunic with silver buttons and a open collar, with white shirt & black tie worn underneath
*Black belt with silver front buckle and bayonet scabbard
*Black skirt with silver/white piping on the sides, worn with stockings
*White gloves
*Black polished shoes.


*Dark blue tunic, open at collar with white shirt & dark tie underneath
For all '''Constables''', no rank insignia is worn, but 'collar numbers' (ID number) are worn on the breast/chest.
*Dark blue trousers/skirt
*Sam Browne belt
*Dark blue peaked cap (males) or bowler cap (females), the RMPS logo forms the capbadge and a certain amount of braid on the cap is added for ranks from Inspector above.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/Royal-Montserrat-Police-Service-1464208687234758/photos/2911963289125950 {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref>
*Black shoes/boots
*Dark gloves.


===="Whites"====
Rifles, typically the [[Lee-Enfield Rifle No. 4|No. 4 Lee Enfield]]<ref>https://www.facebook.com/1464208687234758/photos/a.1488159608172999/2390490824606535/?type=3&theater</ref> or [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle|Self Loading Rifle]] are carried when on formal parades by junior ranks. A [[Whistle#Joseph_Hudson|police whistle]] on a chain is carried in the top left pocket (for both males and females), with the chain connected to a button.
This uniform is similar to the [[British Army]]'s No. 3 (Tropical) Dress, which is the most formal.


*White tunic with silver buttons, worn open with white shirt and tie (females) and worn closed with high collar for males
'''Officers with the rank of Sergeant''' wear a dark blue shoulder [[sash]] over the right shoulder and three chevrons on the arm. Sergeants may carry either a pace stick,<ref>https://themontserratreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/RMPF-Graduation.jpg</ref> or swagger cane/stick.<ref>https://www.themontserratreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Police-Passing-out-1.jpg</ref>
*Black trousers (males) or skirt (females) with white piping
*Black belt with central clasp (lower ranks) or shoulder belt (senior officers)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bajanreporter.com/2011/12/montserrats-police-service-has-six-new-officers-deputy-governor-pays-courtesy-call/|title = Montserrat's Police Service has six new officers – Deputy Governor pays Courtesy Call|date = 9 December 2011}}</ref>
*White pith helmet (males), white-topped bowler cap (females) with capbadge
*Black boots
*White gloves.


====Notes====
'''Officers with the rank of Inspector''' and above, carry swords (on parade)<ref>https://www.facebook.com/RMDF1898/photos/ms.c.eJxFzdsNwEAIA8GOInw8DP03FolL4HeEF2idqAqhHzPzBx~;AUACwIOkkc8D7QrhwGzIQd6I~;8EIsdENqGrRu6LxN7YnHC4L6Ir4~-.bps.a.1391740704287002/1392699614191111/?type=3&theater</ref> in place of rifles, as is customary in [[British Overseas Territories]] police services and [[Commonwealth]] [[police]] and military forces. A cross belt, with rear pouch, in black is worn, as well as a sword sling and scabbard to house the sword when sheathed.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/1464208687234758/photos/a.1488159608172999/2390490824606535/?type=3&theater</ref>
*Swords or swagger sticks (Inspectors and above) may be carried on certain occasions.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/Royal-Montserrat-Police-Service-1464208687234758/photos/2911963289125950 {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref>
*Medals (if any awarded) are worn on the left breast, above the breast pocket and medal ribbons are sewn into the tunic.
*Rank insignia for Inspectors and above are worn on the shoulders/epaulettes. Sergeants wear three chevrons on the upper arm and constables wear no rank insignia.
*Constables and Sergeants wear a "Collar Number", on some part of the uniform.
*The staple British police whistle-on-chain is worn on the chest/left pocket area of most uniforms.


===Everyday Dress===
==="Undress" Uniform===
The undress uniform is the uniform that is worn by police officers for non-formal and non-arduous work, such as everyday work, travelling, patrolling, attending meetings etc. It is similar to the [[British Army]]'s No. 6 (Warm Weather) Barrack Dress and is 'stone' coloured.
For general police duties a simpler uniform is worn, but keeping the main parts of the police uniform.


It consists of:
'''''Males'''''


*Black plain peaked cap with RMPS capbadge
*Stone coloured bush jacket with silver buttons
*Stone coloured trousers
*Stone/grey coloured shirt with black plain epaulettes (PCs), silver buttons and [[Whistle#Joseph_Hudson|whistle]] on chain. The [[collar number]] (for [[Police Constable|PCs]] and Sergeants) is worn on the right chest.
*Peaked cap (males) and female peaked cap (females) with RMPS capbadge
*Black trousers
*Black boots/shoes.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/kmG82-SqMzI Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210420160914/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmG82-SqMzI Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmG82-SqMzI| title = Royal Montserrat Police Service AFIX Tracker Training Closing Ceremony February 12, 2020 | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*Black shoes and boots.


====Notes====
'''''Females'''''
*Constables wear their "Collar Number" on the right breast of the shirt.
*Rank insignia for Inspectors and above are worn on the shoulders/epaulettes. Sergeants wear three chevrons on the upper arm and constables wear no rank insignia.
*Lanyards may be worn by senior officers on the left side.
*Medal ribbons (if any) are worn on the left breast.
*The staple British police whistle-on-chain is worn on the chest/left pocket area of most uniforms.


===Operational Uniform===
*Black bowler cap with RMPS capbadge
The operational uniform for officers is either the "Undress" uniform (see above) (with additional equipment, e.g. yellow traffic vest) or a similar uniform, but with a white shirt and black trousers, rather than stone coloured shirt/trousers.
*Stone/grey coloured shirt with black plain epaulettes (PCs), silver buttons and [[Whistle#Joseph_Hudson|whistle]] on chain. The [[collar number]] (for [[Police Constable|PCs]] and Sergeants) is interestingly worn on the right chest.
*Black skirts<ref>https://www.themontserratreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/DSC_2735.jpg</ref>
*Black shoes and boots.


===Police Equipment===
For traffic duties, yellow high-visibility jackets may be worn.<ref>https://www.themontserratreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/DSC_2735.jpg</ref>
The RMPS uses a variety of equipment, such as radios, handcuffs and yellow traffic vests.<ref>{{cite web | url-access=limited |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/1464208687234758/2890303694625243 |archive-date = 2022-04-30| url = https://www.facebook.com/Royal-Montserrat-Police-Service-1464208687234758/photos/a.1488159608172999/2890303694625243 |title = Royal Montserrat Police Service on Facebook |website=[[Facebook]]}}{{cbignore}}{{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref><ref>https://themontserratreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/DSC_2731.jpg {{Bare URL image|date=March 2022}}</ref>
The staple British police whistle-on-chain is worn on the chest/left pocket area of most uniforms.


===Bush Jacket===
====Firearms====
The RMPS are generally unarmed, but for some formal parades some weapons are carried, such as:
For males and females, there is both a white and a grey '[[bush jacket]]', which is a more relaxed and longer form of the tunic.<ref>http://www.mnialive.com/articles/two-royal-montserrat-police-service-inspectors-demoted-to-sergeant-positions</ref> This uniform is often worn by senior officers, when not on formal parade.<ref>https://i1.wp.com/discovermni.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/9-3-18-2018-RMPS-Recruits-8.jpg</ref>


*Sword (ceremonial sabre) – carried by senior officers (Inspectors in above), in either "Blues" or "Whites" formal uniform. It can be worn in it sheath, or 'drawn' when inspecting constables.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bajanreporter.com/2011/12/montserrats-police-service-has-six-new-officers-deputy-governor-pays-courtesy-call/|title = Montserrat's Police Service has six new officers – Deputy Governor pays Courtesy Call|date = 9 December 2011}}</ref>
For males) it is worn without a belt, with an open collar, lanyard on the left side and no undershirt and either black (with white bush jacket) or grey (with grey bush jacket) trousers.
*Rifle – either a No. 4 Lee Enfield Rifle<ref>{{cite web | url-access=limited |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/1464208687234758/2763874070601540 |archive-date = 2022-04-30| url = https://www.facebook.com/1464208687234758/photos/a.1489463784709248/2763874070601540 |title = Royal Montserrat Police Service on Facebook |website=[[Facebook]]}}{{cbignore}}{{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref> or a more modern rifle. This is for the constables to carry on parade.
*Drill cane/pace stick – this is for Sergeants to carry when on parade, when not carrying rifles.
*Swagger stick (shorter cane) – this is for Inspectors and above to carry, when not carrying swords.


===Marine Unit uniform===
Because of the very different nature of its duties, the Marine Unit (which operates police vessels) wears a different uniform when carrying out such duties:

*Dark blue polo shirt
*Dark blue cargo type trousers
*Black boots

===Medals and rank insignia===
If any medals have been awarded (such as the [[Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal]] (2012)), the medal ribbon is worn the left breast of most shirts, bush jackets and tunics. The medals themselves are only generally worn on formal occasions.

Rank is worn in every order of dress, although for constables, there is no actual insignia. Senior officers (Inspectors and above) wear them on the shoulder and Sergeants wear them on the sleeve.

For females it is the same, but with a waist belt and the trousers are swapped for a skirt.

The headdress and footwear are a peaked (male) and smaller peaked (female) cap.

==Gallery==
{{Gallery|
{{Gallery|
File:Montserrat — police boat.JPG|Marine Unit boat on patrol
File:Montserrat — police boat.JPG|RMPS Marine Unit boat
}}
}}

==External links==
*[http://police.gov.ms/ Official site]
*[http://www.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/RMPS-Review-Report-May-2012.pdf/ Review of Royal Montserrat Police Service May 2012]
*[https://www.facebook.com/Royal-Montserrat-Police-Service-1464208687234758/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARBzF-dyqyyYLj-wf-4si889_tRK-8x0ZgRECCE17_E1ldOj4Vq31XVxNNUy5yjCONAkkfry6BNfl66v&hc_ref=ARRACceXIbQijmJHSzy0blreWE_6feQ2PUjgQNHdriJaJZByjiJ0mWHiMti3ivjyvcM&fref=nf&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARD1lyPugP6sVzzYnLC7NSh5fGsH_H-Li9LMGAQiE3ACFOPJHF5uI0QLeU0NEfavddicBSnLq6KuTtjTH2050C2E9ycLo1mP_6MID-X4LWQGJxM3aUkWzCVDuDiailmESqV1vsqKzB5uld1-AF8gz7JEcy12PhMCDaR_spGBK7fbmZc07uPxG7CIjra3ZPsktLANX8lxW8rTKRNcCSSdexylGc0ozW1q18z-DCUs2DO68YTGPE2DveHbE65zrkFtJHnun7lNGsJcCwj9J53AHXY-eXWYoB8WedhHaR6TdXmRVZv_G5pcCCQ_oRaGesT4yL-qFaySBYIPEmNP56HTv0VNYJd-WA9NYoJTW4IQ Facebook page]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://police.gov.ms/ Official site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813094549/http://police.gov.ms/ |date=13 August 2020 }}
*[http://www.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/RMPS-Review-Report-May-2012.pdf/ Review of Royal Montserrat Police Service May 2012]


{{Navboxes
{{Navboxes
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[[Category:Police forces of British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies|Montserrat]]
[[Category:Police forces of British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies|Montserrat]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Montserrat]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Montserrat]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1967]]


{{Montserrat-stub}}

Latest revision as of 20:52, 12 July 2024

Royal Montserrat Police Service
Flag of Montserrat
Flag of Montserrat
AbbreviationRMPS
Agency overview
Formed1967
Preceding agency
  • Leeward Islands Police Force
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionMontserrat, British Overseas Territories
Size39 square miles[1]
Population4,649 (2018)[2]
General nature
Operational structure
HeadquartersRoyal Montserrat Police Service, Government of Headquarters, Brades, P.O. Box 177, MSR 1110, Montserrat
Constablesapprox. 50
Agency executive
  • Mark Payne QPM MBA, Temporary Commissioner
Website
Official Website

The Royal Montserrat Police Service is the police service of the British Overseas Territory island of Montserrat in the Caribbean.

As of May 2024, the Commissioner of Police is Mark Payne QPM MBA, a career police officer of West Midlands Police in England. Mark retired from West Midlands Police in March 2024, where he served as Detective Chief Superintendent and Head of West Midlands Regional Counter Terrorism Unit.

History

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The Police Force of Montserrat was a division of the Leeward Islands Police Force, which served Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, with headquarters in Antigua. The Leeward Islands Colony was dissolved in 1959 and the Montserrat Police Force became a division of the Antigua, Montserrat, and British Virgin Islands Police Force. The Royal Title was bestowed on the force in 1966, and The Royal Montserrat Police Service became autonomous on 27 February 1967.

Between the years 1967 and 2007, there was one Chief of Police and ten Commissioners of Police from countries such as United Kingdom, Guyana, St Kitts-Nevis and even native islanders.

The police service also ran a football team that played in the Montserrat Championship, the top level of football on the island. They were the most successful club winning the league four times.

The RMPS celebrated its 50th anniversary in February 2017, having been disbanded from the Leeward Islands Police Force in 1967.[3]

Structure and Duties

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The RMPS is a civilian, local police force and has authority to uphold the King's peace throughout the territory. The RMPS website states that their duty is:

  • Preservation of the King's Peace,
  • Protection of Life & Property,
  • Prevention and Detection of Crime and
  • Bringing Offenders to Justice.[4]

Departments/Units

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The RMPS is divided into five main departments, each with a specific function.[5]

These are:

  • Beat & Patrol
  • Traffic Department
  • Marine & Immigration Department
  • Human Resource/Training/IT Department
  • Criminal Investigation Department (CID)/Criminal Records Office

Rank structure

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The management rank structure of the RMPS follows that of most UK and British Overseas Territories.[6]

The Commissioner (head of the service) is assisted by a Deputy Commissioner of Police and Superintendent of Operations.[7]

Regular Ranks

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Ranks of the Royal Montserrat Police Service
Rank[8] Commissioner of Police
(COP) 		Deputy Commissioner of Police
(DCP) 		Superintendent of Police
(Sup Ops) 		Inspector of Police
(OIC Departments) 		Sergeant
(SPO) 		Constable
(PC)
Insignia Chief Constable DCC UK Police Superintendent Epaulette UK Police Inspector Epaulette UK Patrol Sergeant Epaulette UK Police Constable Epaulette

New "Recognition Ranks"

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  • Chief Inspector
  • Station Sergeant
  • Corporal
  • Senior Constable

New "Marine Unit Ranks"

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  • Marine Sergeant (MS)
  • Petty Officer (PO)
  • Leading Seaman (LS)
  • Able Body Seaman (ABS)
  • Ordinary Seaman (OS)

Special Constables

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The RMPS employs special constables to assist regular constables, or to act as specialists and support regulars on 'Special Duty Police Assignments', if necessary.[9]

Uniforms and Equipment

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The RMPS employs a variety of staff & constables and each have different types of uniform and equipment, to perform their duties effectively.

Uniform

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RMPS uniform is typical of British & Caribbean police forces' uniforms, with several different types for different duties, ranks and seasons. It is modelled on other UK and British Overseas Territories police uniforms.

Formal Uniform

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The formal uniform is for ceremonial and important occasions, such as Remembrance Days, VE Day celebrations, Royal events,[10] etc.

It consists of:

"Blues"

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This is similar to the British Army's No. 2/service dress uniform.

  • Dark blue tunic, open at collar with white shirt & dark tie underneath
  • Dark blue trousers/skirt
  • Sam Browne belt
  • Dark blue peaked cap (males) or bowler cap (females), the RMPS logo forms the capbadge and a certain amount of braid on the cap is added for ranks from Inspector above.[11]
  • Black shoes/boots
  • Dark gloves.

"Whites"

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This uniform is similar to the British Army's No. 3 (Tropical) Dress, which is the most formal.

  • White tunic with silver buttons, worn open with white shirt and tie (females) and worn closed with high collar for males
  • Black trousers (males) or skirt (females) with white piping
  • Black belt with central clasp (lower ranks) or shoulder belt (senior officers)[12]
  • White pith helmet (males), white-topped bowler cap (females) with capbadge
  • Black boots
  • White gloves.

Notes

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  • Swords or swagger sticks (Inspectors and above) may be carried on certain occasions.[13]
  • Medals (if any awarded) are worn on the left breast, above the breast pocket and medal ribbons are sewn into the tunic.
  • Rank insignia for Inspectors and above are worn on the shoulders/epaulettes. Sergeants wear three chevrons on the upper arm and constables wear no rank insignia.
  • Constables and Sergeants wear a "Collar Number", on some part of the uniform.
  • The staple British police whistle-on-chain is worn on the chest/left pocket area of most uniforms.

"Undress" Uniform

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The undress uniform is the uniform that is worn by police officers for non-formal and non-arduous work, such as everyday work, travelling, patrolling, attending meetings etc. It is similar to the British Army's No. 6 (Warm Weather) Barrack Dress and is 'stone' coloured.

It consists of:

  • Stone coloured bush jacket with silver buttons
  • Stone coloured trousers
  • Peaked cap (males) and female peaked cap (females) with RMPS capbadge
  • Black boots/shoes.[14]

Notes

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  • Constables wear their "Collar Number" on the right breast of the shirt.
  • Rank insignia for Inspectors and above are worn on the shoulders/epaulettes. Sergeants wear three chevrons on the upper arm and constables wear no rank insignia.
  • Lanyards may be worn by senior officers on the left side.
  • Medal ribbons (if any) are worn on the left breast.
  • The staple British police whistle-on-chain is worn on the chest/left pocket area of most uniforms.

Operational Uniform

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The operational uniform for officers is either the "Undress" uniform (see above) (with additional equipment, e.g. yellow traffic vest) or a similar uniform, but with a white shirt and black trousers, rather than stone coloured shirt/trousers.

Police Equipment

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The RMPS uses a variety of equipment, such as radios, handcuffs and yellow traffic vests.[15][16] The staple British police whistle-on-chain is worn on the chest/left pocket area of most uniforms.

Firearms

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The RMPS are generally unarmed, but for some formal parades some weapons are carried, such as:

  • Sword (ceremonial sabre) – carried by senior officers (Inspectors in above), in either "Blues" or "Whites" formal uniform. It can be worn in it sheath, or 'drawn' when inspecting constables.[17]
  • Rifle – either a No. 4 Lee Enfield Rifle[18] or a more modern rifle. This is for the constables to carry on parade.
  • Drill cane/pace stick – this is for Sergeants to carry when on parade, when not carrying rifles.
  • Swagger stick (shorter cane) – this is for Inspectors and above to carry, when not carrying swords.
  • RMPS Marine Unit boat
    RMPS Marine Unit boat

References

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  1. ^ http://police.gov.ms/8-2/
  2. ^ https://statistics.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/FINAL-REPORT-KEY-FINDINGS-CENSUS-LABOUR-FORCE-SURVEY-2018-.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  3. ^ "Royal Montserrat Police Service - Royal Montserrat Police Service". Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2008.
  4. ^ "Royal Montserrat Police Service - Royal Montserrat Police Service". Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2008.
  5. ^ "Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS)".
  6. ^ http://police.gov.ms/8-2/#
  7. ^ http://police.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Organisational-Chart-Police-3.jpg [bare URL image file]
  8. ^ "Royal Montserrat Police Force /".
  9. ^ http://police.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Marine-Tech-Special-Constable-2014.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  10. ^ https://www.facebook.com/Royal-Montserrat-Police-Service-1464208687234758/photos/2911963289125950 [user-generated source]
  11. ^ https://www.facebook.com/Royal-Montserrat-Police-Service-1464208687234758/photos/2911963289125950 [user-generated source]
  12. ^ "Montserrat's Police Service has six new officers – Deputy Governor pays Courtesy Call". 9 December 2011.
  13. ^ https://www.facebook.com/Royal-Montserrat-Police-Service-1464208687234758/photos/2911963289125950 [user-generated source]
  14. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Royal Montserrat Police Service AFIX Tracker Training Closing Ceremony February 12, 2020. YouTube.
  15. ^ "Royal Montserrat Police Service on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on 30 April 2022.[user-generated source]
  16. ^ https://themontserratreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/DSC_2731.jpg [bare URL image file]
  17. ^ "Montserrat's Police Service has six new officers – Deputy Governor pays Courtesy Call". 9 December 2011.
  18. ^ "Royal Montserrat Police Service on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on 30 April 2022.[user-generated source]
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