Law enforcement in the Pitcairn Islands

Historically a Pitcairn Islander has taken on the role of police officer and has also acted as Immigration and Customs Officer.

A British policewoman, Gail Cox from Kent, was stationed on the island in 1999, and her report led to historic sex charges, one dating back to 1972, against a number of Pitcairn Islands men.

From the start of the investigation into child sexual abuse on Pitcairn, to the conclusion of the appeals process following the Pitcairn sexual assault trial of 2004, there has been a minimum of two Ministry of Defence Police officers stationed on four month rotation on the island.

In late 2006 it was announced that a retired police sergeant, Malcolm Gilbert from the Orkney Islands had been recruited on a 12 month contract to police the island from early 2007.