Ex-senior cop takes over customs enforcement

| 11/04/2014

(CNS): Former senior officer in the RCIPS Marlon Bodden has been appointed deputy collector of customs in charge of enforcement. With some 31 years’ experience in the police his law enforcement background is seen as a key factor in his appointment as he third deputy in the important department, where he will oversee the work of seven sections including the K9 unit, FSI scanning unit, container inspections, fraud, intelligence, narcotics and firearms, known as cnet and the marine unit. Collector of Customs Samantha Bennett welcomed Bodden saying she was delighted that an officer of his calibre had joined the team. “He brings in a wealth of experience in several lawenforcement disciplines,” the customs boss stated.

“Here at Customs, we have embarked on exciting new challenges, including a newly expanded Customs Law and I am sure we will be able to use all of Mr. Bodden’s abilities and talents for the betterment of our people,” Bennett added.

Bodden said he was thrilled to join the team at the revenue earning and law enforcement agency and was looking forward to taking on the new challenge and playing an active role. “I am also keen on focusing on the synergies that must unite our key law enforcement agencies in the fight against illegal activities,” he added.

Having joined the RCIPS as a constable back in 1982 he rose to the rank of a detective superintendent and had at one time or another headed up most of the main police departments from the drugs Task Force to CID. During his years with the police Bodden undertook a number of training courses in the United Kingdom; the United States, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Canada; Jamaica; Barbados; Chile; Costa Rica and the British Virgin Islands to keep up his management and tactical skills.

Subjects covered varied from: crisis interventions, police media relations, as well as narcotics and firearms investigations, to anti-corruption, crisis intervention, mass casualty and negotiations management.

He also went on to successfully complete his law degree at the Cayman Islands Law School and completed the classroom portion of the Professional Practice Course. Bodden has also received the Police Long Service award and recognition from overseas entities such as the Royal Humane Society Award for Bravery (Humanitarian Efforts) from Princess Alexandra in 1986, when he undertook an in-water rescue of two young children in the Spotts area. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office in San Antonio, Texas, USA, also presented Bodden with its Police Officers’ Award in 2005 for his unwavering support of law enforcement.

After retiring from the RCIPS he took up a senior civilian position with the Labour and Pensions Office as Deputy Director, a post he held until his Customs appointment. During his time there officials said he contributed significantly to professionalising the leadership and management structure of the Department, as well as the Labour Tribunals process.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    So proud of MArlon Bodden hewas a breath of fresh air at the Labour Department and now that he's gone I'm sure the red tape and beurocracy will resume and once again dealing with the other Management team at Labour will be just that….LABOUR.. The public knows that Marlon was and is an asset and any Department that has him needs to hold on tightly. Marlon you will be an asset at Customs where you can be appreciated and put your knowledge and skills to good use. 

  2. Anonymous says:

    Another great appointment using the deputy governors new approach to senior appointments. In the past a long serving unqualified politically comnected civil servant would have been appointed and the department would continue to flounder.  Now for the first time in its history the customs department has in its top two posts persons with excellent degrees and who are well qualified.  Way to go civil service.  Change is happening ! 

  3. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations Marlon, I am sure you will be an asset to Customs.

  4. TRUTH says:

    Very proud of this young Caymanian who has shown that dedication and honesty can pay off!! 

    • Anonymous says:

      I completely agree with the sentiment and have great respect for Marlon. However, I do have to question when we stop being young? Marlon must be about 50 and I'm not saying he's old (and we're all young at heart, eh!) but I do find it strange for people of Marlon's age to be referred to as young Caymanians…

    • Anonymous says:

      In reply to 12/04/2014 – 01.43

      Young Caymanian? He got a grey beard.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations Marlon. You will be missed sorely from the labor department.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Very proud of Mr. BODDEN. Congratulation on your new post. Continue to make these Islands a better place to live, work and enjoy. May God give you his guidance and understanding. Mi amigo. 

  8. Anonymous says:

    I am very happy to read of Mr. Bodden's appointment. I believe he is a man of integrity and has much to bring to his new post in Customs. Hopefully he will be allowed to function at his optimum.