1. MANDATE
The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACoP) is a senior executive officer of the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF), responsible for leading major functional areas such as Crime & Intelligence, Operations, or Professional Standards. The role ensures that strategic priorities set by the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner are translated into specialist operational delivery.
The ACoP provides command leadership during major incidents, directs specialist policing operations, ensures discipline and performance standards are maintained, and contributes evidence-based data and analysis for strategic decision-making and public accountability.
In addition, the ACoP plays a critical role in driving structural and cultural change projects, working with the Executive Team to design, lead, and manage organisational reforms. This includes modernising policing practices, embedding community trust, improving professional standards, and ensuring new systems or policies are effectively implemented across the Force.
The role also carries strategic responsibility for workforce resilience, including the management of sickness absence, wellbeing, and succession planning, ensuring that a small-force establishment can sustainably meet complex operational demands.
Finally, the ACoP supports the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner in fulfilling Anguilla’s regional and international policing obligations. This includes operational cooperation with the Regional Security System (RSS), CARICOM IMPACS, OECS, and UK/Overseas Territories partners, as well as the accurate collation and reporting of data to meet international accountability standards.
2. KEY DUTIES
This section sets out the day-to-day responsibilities of the ACoP. Duties reflect their dual role as a specialist commander and reform leader, ensuring operational effectiveness, cultural change, and international accountability.
1. Command Leadership – Lead specialist portfolios and act as Gold or Silver Commander during major incidents and emergencies.
2. Crime and Public Protection – Oversee intelligence-led investigations, case file quality, and proactive operations against serious and organised crime.
3. Structural and Cultural Change – Develop, deliver, and embed reform projects to strengthen policing culture, professional standards, and modern working practices.
4. Professional Standards and Discipline – Investigate and manage complaints and disciplinary matters within their command.
5. Performance, Inspections, and Statistics – Lead performance reviews and internal inspections; ensure statistical data is accurate, timely, and fit for strategic and public reporting.
6. Workforce Resilience and Wellbeing – Monitor sickness absence and implement workforce resilience and wellbeing initiatives.
7. Community Engagement and Regional Cooperation – Build community trust through policing initiatives and ensure operational input into regional partnerships.
8. Support to Executive Team – Provide advice and leadership support to the Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner; deputise for the Deputy when required.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Policing relies on partnerships across government, society, and international networks. This section defines the ACoP’s critical working relationships, positioning them as the operational leader of specialist portfolios and a conduit for collaboration.
- Deputy Commissioner of Police – Reports directly, ensuring operational outcomes align with strategic direction.
- Other Assistant Commissioners – Collaborates on cross-functional priorities to ensure seamless policing delivery.
- Superintendents and Inspectors – Directs operational leaders within portfolio commands.
- Government Departments & Judiciary – Liaises with the Attorney General’s Chambers, DPP, and other stakeholders for justice system effectiveness.
- Community Leaders & Civil Society – Engages directly with local groups, NGOs, and leaders to build trust and legitimacy.
- Regional & International Partners – Provides operational support, reporting, and liaison with RSS, CARICOM IMPACS, OECS, UK agencies, and INTERPOL.
KEY AUTHORITIES
This section identifies the delegated authorities of the ACoP, which underpin their ability to lead specialist areas and ensure operational effectiveness.
- Authority to command portfolio operations and direct specialist units.
- Authority to act as Gold or Silver Commander during major incidents.
- Authority to manage professional standards, discipline, and welfare within their area.
- Authority to approve and submit statistics, reports, and performance data to the Deputy Commissioner.
- Authority to lead and manage organisational reform and cultural change initiatives.