Ombudsman commences Own-Motion Investigation at CIDC

The Office of the Ombudsman formally commenced an Own-Motion Investigation (OMI) into the Cayman Islands Detention Centre (CIDC – sometimes referred to as the Fairbanks Detention Centre) on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.

The CIDC, operated by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), which temporarily houses individuals arrested by the police and other local law enforcement agencies, has recently been the subject of complaints to the Ombudsman under the Police (Complaints by the Public) Act. Other concerns have separately been raised with the Ombudsman, primarily related to the safety and administrative processes at the CIDC.

The Ombudsman’s Complaints Division has investigated some public complaints and received preliminary information about others, according to the Ombudsman, Ms. Sharon Roulstone. However, she considered that a further investigation was warranted after reviewing some of the details brought to her office. 

“Given the seriousness of some of the incidents, including some where prisoners have been injured or consumed dangerous quantities of drugs while in police custody, we are compelled to review the issues at a broader level with the objective of improving safety for both the prisoners and police officers,” Ms. Roulstone said.

The investigation is conducted under section 11(1) if the Complaints (Maladministration) Act which states as follows:

11. (1) The Ombudsman shall not make an investigation without first receiving a written complaint unless he is of the opinion […] that there are reasons of special importance which makes investigation by the Ombudsman desirable in the public interest. (emphasis added) 

“Given the number of incidents at CIDC in a relatively short period, along with the fact that the CIDC manages individuals who can be amongst either the most dangerous, or the most vulnerable, in society, I believe there is significant public interest in reviewing these issues more thoroughly,” Ms. Roulstone said.   

The RCIPS is aware of the Ombudsman’s concerns and has been informed about the investigation. Prior to commencement, there were preliminary discussions between Ombudsman investigators and three senior RCIPS officers. The Ombudsman’s office has included the officers’ input on the issues identified for investigation. Commissioner of Police, Kurt Walton, stated he welcomed the investigation and is assisting the Ombudsman where required. He further stated that any recommendations and learning from the review will form part of the RCIPS continuous learning and improvement work that is undertaken across the Service.

The investigation’s findings will be shared with the RCIPS and, in some cases, preliminary recommendations may be made to RCIPS Gold Command prior to completion of the report as warranted, at the Ombudsman’s discretion. Upon completion of the full investigation, in accordance with the Complaints (Maladministration) Act, a final report of the investigation and its findings will be laid in Parliament.

Anyone wishing to contact the Ombudsman’s office with further information about concerns at the CIDC may phone us 946-6283 or contact us via email at info@ombudsman.ky. Your information will be kept confidential and names and personal identifying details will be omitted from final reports of the investigation.