Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police have named a new Public Relations Officer (Special Constable appointment).
Paul Baker, who is currently working in a similar role at InterHealth Canada, will take up the post on March 1.
The 45-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked in public relations and journalism for more than 25 years.
Commissioner Colin Farquhar described the appointment as a “positive and progressive step” for the police.
He explained: “Police work is newsworthy and so it is essential that we communicate what we do, both accurately and effectively. Good public relations are crucial to any organisation but particularly so in the police service where openness and transparency are key.
“From dealing with serious crime to educating young people, our officers and staff are involved in many different projects and so we have plenty of important and positive things to say.
“Working with the community is at the heart of what we do and both the public and the media play significant roles in helping to solve crime and promote our islands as safe and pleasant places to live, work and visit.
“We are delighted to welcome Paul to the service and his extensive knowledge and experience will further help boost public confidence in the Royal Turks and Caicos Police and the work we do.
“We see this as a positive and progressive step and look forward to a long and successful association.”
Baker, who is married with two young children, began his career working on regional daily newspapers in England. He has since held a number of editorships and has written for national newspapers, television and radio.
He boasts extensive public relations and communications skills and has worked as a consultant to InterHealth Canada since the new hospitals opened in Provo and Grand Turk in April 2010.
“It’s a challenging role”, he said, “but one I am very much looking forward to. There is a great deal of good work being done by the police that goes unnoticed and it’s vital that we share these positive stories.
“There are many similarities between the police service and the hospital in terms of the need for honesty, openness and accountability and ensuring that the community has confidence in the service provided and those delivering it.
The public are the police service’s biggest asset when it comes to solving and preventing crime and so excellent communication between the two is paramount.”
