Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS and CAICOS – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agreed to a partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding to allow the RTCIPF to use the ATF Electronic Tracing System.

The MOU signing took place at police headquarters on the Airport Road Providenciales. It was signed by the Acting Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant and the Chief of ATF International Affairs Division Joshua M. Rusk.

The MOU is a form of mutual commitment for both agencies to share information relating to firearm offences. Members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force will be able to submit firearm traces to the ATF National Tracing Centre and receive firearm trace results immediately via the system.

Commenting on this MOU, Rusk said, “The ATF-RTCIP ETRACE MOU signing is a stellar example of how U.S.-Turks & Caicos Islands bilateral cooperation promotes mutual safety and security. We expect this to be the beginning of successful ATF joint efforts to curb illicit firearms trafficking in the region. Our relationship will no doubt continue to be strengthened and thereby provide increased safety for the people of both nations.”

Acting Commissioner of Police Grant said, “Today another milestone will be marked, as we strengthen our relationship with our international partner agencies in securing our borders. The signing of the memorandum of understanding will see greater cooperation between the U.S. Alcohol Tabaco Firearms agency and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Through this combine effort we now have that resource to support our efforts against illegal trading and smuggling of firearms within our borders. I wish to express thanks to the AFT on behalf of the Force Executive for partnering with us in building safer communities within the TCI.”