Ex-senior cop takes over customs enforcement

(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.