About Us

Who we are

The Director of Public Prosecutions (“DPP”) is a public officer who is independent of the Cayman Islands Government (“CIG”) and the police.

The Office of the DPP was created by Section 57 of the Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009 which provides him with the power:

 

  • To institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court in respect of any offence against any law in force in the Cayman Islands;
  • To take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that have been instituted by any other person or authority; and
  • To discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by himself or herself or any other person or authority.

 

The Director of Public Prosecutions may delegate his powers to those within the Office of the DPP (ODPP).

What we do

The DPP is responsible for all criminal proceedings brought within the Cayman Islands and is the Government’s principal legal adviser on criminal matters. The DPP prosecutes offences in the Traffic Court, Summary Court, and Grand Court, as well as proceedings before the Court of Appeal and the Privy Council. The DPP is also the Central Authority under the Criminal Justice International Co-operation Act (2021 Revision) and exercises functions under the Justice Protection Act (2017 Revision).

In particular, the DPP

  • Decides which cases to prosecute.
  • Determines the appropriate charges in any case.
  • Prepares cases and presents them at court and
  • Provides information, assistance and support to victims and prosecution witnesses.

Crown Counsel of the ODPP are responsible for providing charging decisions on all files submitted by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS). Those charging decisions are made in accordance with Internal Rulings Standards and the Full Code Test set out in the UK ‘Code for Crown Prosecutors’.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be the reliable, trustworthy and transformative core of the Criminal Justice System in the Cayman Islands, deploying our legal expertise and digital capability to make the public safer and to build the confidence of our diverse communities.

Our Mission

Our mission is to serve the people of the Cayman Islands by prosecuting cases independently and fairly, to protect the rights of individuals and to work within the Criminal Justice System to help to make our islands a safe and just society.

Our Core Values

  • To be trustworthy and to treat everyone with respect - we will respect each other, our colleagues and the public we serve.
  • To be honest and transparent in what we do – we will explain our decisions, set clear standards about the service which the public can expect from us and be honest if we make a mistake.
  • To be independent and fair - we will prosecute independently, without bias and will seek to deliver justice in each case.
  • To innovate professionally in order to achieve excellence – working as a team, we are always looking for new and different ways to deliver the best service to the public.

Our Strategic Approach

The Strategic Approach we have adopted in order to achieve our vision is simple and robust. It relies upon four key elements:

  • Our People - at the heart of our vision are ‘Our People’. Supporting the success and well-being of our people through development of their knowledge, skills and commitment enables them to thrive.
  • Digital Capability - our investment in an effective digital capability will help us to adapt to a rapidly changing criminal landscape and to improve the way justice is done.
  • Strong Relationships - as the robust and effective hub of cross departmental agencies and International Cooperation, the ODPP will drive change to the Criminal Justice System for the Cayman Islands.
  • Casework Excellence - driving standards in the quality of casework through legal expertise across departmental agencies and International Cooperation will keep the public safer.

Our Culture

Our culture is driven by our core values and strategic approach. Our people are passionate about what they do. They support and care for each other. They are consistent, professional and credible. They act with integrity. They can be assured of a safe and relaxed environment where their needs are considered.

Our Well-Being

The DPP is committed to engagement, a healthy work environment and supporting and caring for those who work within the ODPP. This commitment is driven by a Mentorship Programme, regular team events and a programme of social responsibility.

Diversity & Equality

The ODPP is committed to inclusion and equality in the way it works. These values are key to the way in which our employees are treated and to the way in which we interact with others in the Criminal Justice System. The ODPP appreciates the close link between supporting and encouraging a diverse workforce which allows it to provide a better service to the community.

The ODPP applies principles to prevent bullying, harassment and discrimination in the workplace and beyond.

Although independent of government, the ODPP applies Cayman Islands Government Personnel Regulations and Public Service Management Law together with the Public Servant’s Code of Conduct.