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Chief of Police in Dominica

Daniel Carbon

The Chief of Police in Dominica, also known as the Commissioner of Police, is the highest-ranking officer in the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF). This pivotal role encompasses leadership, strategic oversight, and the enforcement of law and order throughout the nation.

Responsibilities and Functions of the Chief of Police in Dominica

The Chief of Police’s core duties include:

  • Strategic Leadership: Developing and implementing policies to effectively prevent and address criminal activities.
  • Operational Oversight: Coordinating and supervising daily law enforcement operations to ensure public safety.
  • Resource Management: Overseeing the allocation and utilization of departmental resources, including personnel and equipment.
  • Community Engagement: Fostering relationships with community members to promote cooperation and enhance public trust.
  • Interagency Collaboration: Working with other governmental and international agencies to address broader security concerns.

These responsibilities align with standard practices for police chiefs, which involve comprehensive management of police department activities, as outlined in typical job descriptions for such positions.

Organizational Structure

The CDPF operates under a structured hierarchy to maintain order and efficiency:

Gazetted Officers:

  • Chief of Police
  • Deputy Chief of Police
  • Superintendent of Police
  • Assistant Superintendent of Police

Subordinate Officers:

  • Inspectors
  • Station Sergeants
  • Sergeants
  • Corporals
  • Constables

As of recent reports, the force comprises approximately 600 officers.

Appointment Process of the Chief of Police

The appointment of the Chief of Police is governed by the nation’s constitution and relevant laws. Specifically, the Police Service Commission, established under Section 91 of the Dominica Constitution Order, holds the authority to appoint individuals to positions within the police force below the rank of Deputy Chief of Police. Appointments at the level of Chief of Police are typically made by higher governmental authorities, ensuring that the appointee possesses the requisite experience, leadership qualities, and integrity to lead the national police force effectively.

Notable Past Dominican Police Commissioners

Listed below are notable figures who have occupied the role of Commissioner of Police in Dominica, including both acting and officially confirmed appointments.

  • Damase Philbert (1969–1972) – First Dominican-born Commissioner of Police, introduced structural reforms, encouraged local recruitment, and guided the force during the early post-colonial policing transition.
  • Oliver N. Philip (1972–1984) – Steered the police force through Dominica’s independence and major national crises, including Hurricane David’s aftermath, with a focus on disaster response and law enforcement stability.
  • Ensley Luke Pierre (1984–1992) – Strengthened community policing, implemented reforms in officer training, and oversaw the force during significant political and social developments in the 1980s.
  • Desmond J. Blanchard (1992–1998) – Expanded crime prevention strategies, improved police-community relations, and introduced modern training methods to address evolving security challenges.
  • Simon Darroux (1998–2000) – Prioritised anti-narcotics enforcement, enhanced cross-border security cooperation, and reinforced integrity within the force during a brief but notable tenure.
  • Matthias Lestrade (2001–2009) – Advanced operational restructuring, boosted emergency response preparedness, and fostered regional cooperation through CARICOM security initiatives.
  • Cyril Carrette (2010–2012) – Advocated for police welfare, introduced new technologies into policing, and improved rapid response units in both rural and urban areas.
  • Daniel Carbon (2013–2023) – Oversaw modernisation of law enforcement strategies, expanded police presence across Dominica, and maintained stability during periods of heightened national security concerns.
  • Davidson Valerie (Acting, 2023–2024) – Led the force during a transitional period, focusing on operational continuity and strategic planning ahead of the appointment of a permanent commissioner.

These individuals have each played significant roles in shaping the direction and effectiveness of law enforcement in Dominica.

As the head of the national police force, Dominica’s Chief of Police plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety, enforcing the law, and maintaining social stability.