Neil Mohammed set to take over RCIPS Air Operations Unit

(CMR) Former Police Sergeant Neil Mohammed, who has served as Training Officer and Deputy Head of RCIPS Air Operations since March 2010, has now been promoted to the rank of Police Inspector. This promotion comes as he prepares to take over as head of the Air Operations Unit later this year when the current head of the Unit, Mr. Steve Fitzgerald, is set to retire following over a decade of service to the Cayman Islands.

Inspector Mohammed was one of 11 RCIPS Inspectors who successfully progressed in the promotion process and were officially confirmed in rank during a ceremony on 1 February.

His current duties with the AOU include managing staff and contracted entities that operate and maintain the RCIPS helicopters, ensuring that the Police Air Operations Certificate requirements are met as directed by the Cayman Islands Civil Aviation Authority, and overseeing the selection, training, and welfare of Unit staff.

Having started with the RCIPS as a Special Constable in 1996, Inspector Mohammed became a full police Constable in 1998. Since then, he has served in various departments, from front-line shift to Criminal Investigations, to the Drugs Task Force.

He was selected to assist in developing the Air Support Unit, now the Air Operations Unit, and has completed Police Aviation training courses, including his Tactical Flight Officer certification, in the US, UK, and Ireland.

He continues to develop and maintain relationships with other local and international agencies, and his relationship with National Helicopters Trinidad was instrumental in bringing AC Darren McLean’s secondment with the company to fruition.

Inspector Mohammed will be bringing his knowledge and experience to the role of Head of Air Operations later this year.

“I am committed to the maintenance and further development of the Air Operations Unit's high professional standards, set by Steve as the current Head of Air Operations,”  Inspector Mohammed said.

“Having been part of the unit from its birth through its infancy and maturity, I am aware there will be many challenges ahead, and I am ready to face these as I continue with my development through a very comprehensive mentoring program with Steve, who continues to share his wealth of experience, gained over the course of his 49 years in law enforcement, 29 years in police aviation, and 12 years with the RCIPS,” added Inspector Mohammed. “I also look forward to bringing to fruition the development and placement of our own first Caymanian Police helicopter pilot, Darren McLean.”

“I am quite proud to see Neil promoted to the rank of Inspector. Although it is bittersweet to be retiring after all these years, I know that the Air Operations Unit will be in good hands with Neil at the helm, and I look forward to his continued development over the next few months,” Mr. Fitzgerald said.