The British Overseas Territory of Montserrat is part of the Caribbean Leeward Islands, forming the northern part of the Lesser Antilles chain of the West Indies.

The Territory comprises one large island (approximately 10 miles long and 7 miles wide). It has a population of around 4,600. Successive eruptions of the Soufrière Hills volcano caused the evacuation of the capital city, Plymouth. The southern part of the island remains an exclusion zone.

Along with other British Overseas Territories, most governance and administrative responsibilities lie with the elected administration, save those retained by the UK and provided for by the Constitution. These areas of retained competence include domestic security, which remains the responsibility of the Governor. This includes policing.

The Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS) was established in 1967. The RMPS is responsible for providing Montserrat’s policing and domestic security functions. Judicially, Montserrat, alongside English Speaking independent nations and territories of the Eastern Caribbean, forms part of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

As of March 2023, the RMPS comprised 89 officers drawn from Montserrat and several other Caribbean islands.

Crime and policing issues are important to Montserratians. The RMPS and the role and performance of the Commissioner are consequently subject to public scrutiny and commentary.

Core responsibilities

Reporting to the Governor, the Commissioner’s core responsibilities are to:

• i. provide visible strategic leadership to the RMPS maintaining a force skilled, equipped, confident and motivated to meet current and future challenges;


• ii. raise the RMPS’s professional standards, ensure compliance with the code of ethics and respect for human rights through a programme of continual force improvement;


• iii. lead the police service on a modernisation programme to deliver internationally accepted high standards of police efficiency, effectiveness and diversity.


• iv. improve standards of accountability of policing to build public confidence and trust in the police;


• v. be responsible to ensure RMPS effectiveness against cyber-crime, digital forensic evidence and financial crime


• vi. ensure the effective use and proper administration of public funds and international financial assistance; and


• vii. work alongside the Attorney General and other partners to improve the speed, transparency and fairness of the criminal justice system for the benefit of victims and the protection of human rights.


• viii. provide strategic oversight of the Fire and Ambulance service, border security and marine search and rescue vessel


• ix. work closely with the Chief of Immigration and cover the role during absences

Essential experience and qualities

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following experience and qualities:

• i. at least two years of senior command in operational policing defined as a minimum of UK Chief Superintendent or equivalent;


• ii. a track record in implementing successful organisational development, change and innovation in policing, grounded in an understanding of changing crime and threat patterns combined with an awareness of how policing should adapt to social and economic issues;


• iii. the ability to engage with different stakeholders including elected representatives; partners within the criminal justice system and a culturally diverse community;


• iv. proven ability to manage a diverse range of policing challenges; and


• iv. effective administration of resources.

Essential qualifications

The successful candidate will be able to evidence achievement of professional qualifications in the following:

• i. Senior operational policing leadership;


• ii. Multi-agency incident command; and


• iii. Strategic firearms command.

In addition the successful candidate will be able to evidence achievement of professional qualifications in at least one of the following:

• i. Senior investigating officer; and


• ii. Public order command.

Terms and conditions

This appointment is made on a three year fixed term contract, and upon mutual agreement could be extended for one further year. The position attracts a competitive salary, comparative to other positions with such high responsibility levels, and remuneration package. Relocation support would be offered if required.

The successful applicant can be accompanied by their spouse/official partner and dependent children. Section 50 of the Police Act requires that officers retire once they reach the age of 55. To comply with the Act applicants will need to be under 55 years of age for the entirety of the contract.

The successful applicant will need to undergo full security vetting and any offer will be dependent on the outcome of this. The start date will be no later than 01 October 2023.

Making an application

Applications should include a full CV and a 500 word statement of suitability and be submitted by email to: David.Vincent@fcdo.gov.uk

If more information is required please contact the Head of the Governor’s Office at: David.Vincent@fcdo.gov.uk or the Regional Law Enforcement Adviser at: Andrew.Munday@fcdo.gov.uk

Applications should be submitted on or before midnight on 31 May 2023.

Interviews are scheduled for June 2023, specific dates and times to be confirmed.