Investigate Government & Police Complaints
We will try to resolve your complaint by gathering the facts, hearing both sides of the story, and making recommendations to address any unfair treatment or unreasonable decisions.
Talk to the O.
The Ombudsman is an impartial and independent office of Parliament that acts as the Cayman Islands’ guardian of fairness, transparency and accountability.
Government Complaints
If you are dissatisfied with a Government decision or feel you were not treated fairly and you have tried to resolve the matter through the government's internal complaint process unsuccessfully, you may make a complaint to our office.
Police Complaints
You may make a complaint about the conduct of a police officer at any police station or directly to us.
Freedom of Information
If the Government has refused to disclose records you requested, you may appeal the decision to us. We will hear your appeal and decide whether the records should be disclosed.
Whistleblowing
If you are concerned that your employer is acting improperly, you may disclose the improper conduct to us and you will be protected against any detrimental action taken by your employer in reprisal for your disclosure.
Data Protection
The Data Protection Act gives you control of your personal data, and protects you against its misuse in the public and private sectors.
Being investigated?
If we receive a complaint, disclosure or appeal, we will inform you as soon as possible. We will provide you with details about the issues and you will have an opportunity to provide a detailed response.
What we do
Information Rights
We will review your appeal and decide whether the information must be disclosed in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. We will investigate your complaint about misuse of your personal data and decide whether a data controller is in compliance with the Data Protection Act.
Whistleblowing
We will investigate your disclosure and decide whether it qualifies for protection under the Act. If you suffer a detrimental action we can make recommendations for compensation for any reprisal.
Outcomes - Selected Case Summaries
Categories
Unreasonable use of force
Investigation | 19 October 2018
Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS)
Following a routine roadside check, officers formed the opinion that the complainant may have been impaired through alcohol. The driver also failed to provide proof of insurance and vehicle registration. The exchange between the officers and the driver became heated after the driver refused to be breathalysed. A struggle ensued. The driver was arrested and taken to a police station. A further altercation took place at the police station between the driver and one of the arresting officers. The incident happened in the custody area of the station where the driver was struck repeatedly with a police baton.
The Ombudsman rejected the officer’s version of events when he claimed he was acting in self-defense. She concluded that other options were available to the officer, particularly because the driver was in police custody and unarmed. The Ombudsman found the amount of force used by the officer was unreasonable and she recommended the Commissioner of Police consider disciplinary action. The Police Commissioner accepted the Ombudsman’s recommendations.