Commissioner Fitz Bailey Highlights 24-Hour Highway Patrol as Major Policing Push

Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has placed a 24-hour highway patrol system at the center of the force’s strategy to improve road safety and strengthen national security.

File photo of car that was involved in a fatal accident along the Leeward Highway in Providenciales in March 2026, which left a woman dead.

Bailey said the initiative, currently being tested as a pilot programme, will transition into a full-scale, round-the-clock operation once additional officers and vehicles are secured. The move is expected to significantly increase police visibility on major roadways and deter reckless driving and criminal activity.

“This is a key part of our continued effort,” Bailey stated, noting that the goal is to ensure a constant police presence on highways. “Instead of limited shifts, the public will see 24-hour patrols, creating safer roads and stronger enforcement.”

Expansion Hinges on Resources

The Commissioner confirmed that while the highway patrol is already active in a limited capacity, its full rollout depends on new recruits and additional vehicles, which are currently on order. He indicated that even with existing personnel, the force is preparing to scale up operations as soon as resources arrive.

The enhanced patrol system forms part of a broader policing strategy focused on visibility, responsiveness, and public trust, with Bailey emphasizing that communities across the islands should expect to see more officers on the ground.

Visibility and Safer Communities

According to Bailey, the 24-hour highway patrol will play a critical role in building a safer environment by increasing police presence not just on highways, but across communities.

“We are building a force where every community experiences frequent police presence,” he said. “We want to be guardians of the society, the nation, and our children.”

Tackling Traffic and Driver Behavior

In addition to enforcement, Bailey addressed ongoing concerns about traffic congestion, particularly in areas like Blue Hills. While infrastructure limitations contribute to the issue, he stressed that poor driving habits—including impatience and blocking roundabouts—are major factors.

“Sometimes congestion is not just about infrastructure—it’s about discipline,” he said, pointing to reckless driving as a preventable cause of delays.

Concerns Over Licensing Standards

The Commissioner also raised alarms about driver competency and licensing irregularities, revealing instances where drivers appeared unable to understand basic road signs or communicate effectively in English despite holding valid licenses.

He warned that stricter enforcement is coming, including potential license revocations and court action for those who do not meet legal requirements.

“If you cannot read and write English as required by law, your license will be taken,” Bailey stated. “We have to ensure the system is not being abused.”

Meanwhile, Bailey expressed confidence that the expansion of the highway patrol, combined with increased resources and stricter enforcement, will help sustain improvements in public safety.

“We are not going back to where we were,” he said. “We are moving forward with stronger systems in place.”