Commissioner Addresses Resignation and Retirement During Disciplinary Matters

Thursday, February 06,2025

The Facts Speak. Contrary to claims of a "recent change," the requirement for Commissioner approval to leave the Bermuda Police Service (BPS)--outside of mandatory retirement--has probably existed since the Service was established. This isn't about loopholes; it's a longstanding procedure, rooted in common sense. That said, I appreciate how people may feel. When an officer leaves before a disciplinary case wraps up, it can feel like justice slipped through the cracks and nobody wants that. Why Don’t We Just Keep Investigating? Bermuda's laws do not necessitate us to keep internal (disciplinary) investigations going once someone leaves the job. In the United Kingdom (UK), there is legislation that enables the process to continue, or even start, after an officer quits. That does not exist here. And a change requires legislation. Until then, we must abide by the law. The Cost of Investigations and Hearings. Let's talk practicalities. Gross misconduct cases can take over a year to investigate, often longer. Why? Because we cannot take shortcuts. If we weaken the safeguards that protect accused officers’ rights, we deny them a fair process. These investigations are as thorough as any serious criminal investigation. Anything less, risks losing the case at the hearing or, on appeal. And the cost of hearings? With a three-person independent panel, even the simple ones easily cost upwards of $20,000. A recent high-profile case, that utilized three King’s Counsel, cost a staggering $250,000. And this does not include the officer’s cost to defend the matter. With the current system, there is no escaping the significant cost. Other jurisdictions face similar issues. There are very real pragmatic benefits to accepting a resignation that I hope do not get lost in the discussion. The reality is that a resignation, is a guaranteed, unappealable result that minimises effort and expense. Factoring the time to complete the investigation and the cost of a hearing, this could save more than $100,000. And following either a resignation or a dismissal hearing, the maximum consequence is in effect - the officer no longer has a job with the police. The UK Comparison. In the UK, carrying the matter to completion is particularly important in the most serious of cases because, they have a publicly searchable Barred List. You only get on the Barred List following a guilty conviction and dismissal. This prevents dismissed officers, from re-joining any of the 43 UK police forces. In contrast, Bermuda has one police service. If someone leaves while under a gross misconduct investigation, this forms part of their HR file and rehire isn't a concern. What’s Next? Maintaining the community’s trust is non-negotiable. Police discipline and accountability is a complex matter and we are always looking to close any gaps. This is why we chose to modernize our process in 2016. That first step is now eight years old and it's time for a review. This year we will be reviewing our current Conduct and Performance Orders and opening dialogue with stakeholders to close any gaps. In the meantime, every complaint we get is treated seriously. We're not perfect, but we are relentless in chasing fairness. Fairness for both officers and the community alike.

Witness Appeal: Confirmed Firearm Incident in Devonshire

Wednesday, February 05,2025

Police are investigating a confirmed firearms incident which occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 in the area of Devon Springs Road, Devonshire. Officers attended the scene and recovered evidence to confirm a firearm had been discharged in that area. There were no reports of anyone being injured in this incident and checks with medical facilities indicated no one attended seeking treatment for a firearms related injury. We are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with any information related to this matter. If you have any information, no matter how unimportant you may think it to be, we urge you  to contact Detective Sergeant Dre’ Wilkinson on 515-2495 or, via e-mail at dwilkinson@bps.bm. Alternatively, you may also call the main police number, 295-0011 or the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline, 800-8477. If you’d prefer, we encourage you to share the information with a police officer you’re comfortable speaking with or via the community reporting portal https://portal.police.bm.

Three Months Left Until All 44 Legends & Superstars Sports Cards Released

Monday, February 03,2025

Proving popular with many young people and even some adults, the 2024-2025 Bermuda Legends & Superstars sports cards – released by the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) in cooperation with Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – serve to celebrate and connect local athletes with our youth, while encouraging positive youth, police interactions. This month’s set of six includes one woman and five men, featuring (in no particular order) BPS Constable Terry-Lynn Paynter (Track & Field, Football, Cricket & Softball) Legend Jay Donawa (Running) Superstar Janeiro Tucker (Cricket) Superstar Micah Franklin (Squash) Superstar Tashon DeSilva (Rugby) Superstar Dominique Mayho (Cycling) Superstar Thanks to the partnership with Hamilton Princess, a total of 30 collectible sports cards have been released since 1st October 2024, with the final three card sets scheduled to be distributed in March, April and May 2025. With February’s release, six Legends & 24 Superstars have been revealed to date, leaving only five Legends and nine Superstars to be unveiled for this 2024-2025 sports cards series. All 44 Legends and Superstars sports cards feature the local athlete’s name, photo and sport on the front, while the reverse side provides a synopsis of their notable sporting achievements, as well as a personal quote. Our youth are encouraged to actively seek out police officers on patrol throughout the island for an opportunity, through positive interaction or engagement, to receive one of the latest collectible sports cards! Students may also collect one of the 30 inspiring sports cards released to date at any police station (Hamilton, Somerset and Southside). However, please note that some cards may no longer be available. Who are the remaining 14 local sporting heroes to be unveiled? Follow BPS social media (Facebook, Instagram & X/Twitter) to find out!

Man Arrested After Nomination Day Procession Incident

Friday, January 31,2025

Around 11am Friday, 31st January 2025, police officers were monitoring traffic in the area of the Mount St. Agnes School Hall, which was the assigned location for Nomination of Candidates for the upcoming General Election, when their attention was drawn to a male riding an auxiliary cycle in a dangerous manner through a crowd of people processing from Court Street and accompanied by a Gombey Troupe. Officers who were on scene to control traffic around the procession quickly caught up with and detained the male rider. It was later reported to police that as the vehicle was being ridden through the crowd, the vehicle made contact with an 11-year-old Gombey performer. It is not believed that the young male dancer was injured during the incident. Assistant Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes said that the subject, who is currently in police custody, is expected to appear before the courts facing a number of charges in relation to their driving.

Sudden Death of 59-Year-Old Charles Crisson

Friday, January 31,2025

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the sudden death of 59-year-old Charles Crisson and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Crisson’s lifeless body was found in the water off Caroline Bay Marina, Morgan’s Point, Sandys parish shortly after 10:20am Saturday, 25th January 2025. An investigation regarding the circumstances of his death is ongoing. The BPS thanks those individuals who have already come forward and renews the appeal for anyone with relevant information – particularly Caroline Bay Marina area residents, as well as those living on boats at Morgan’s Point – to share what they know, by calling 211. Alternatively, members of the public who can assist with inquiries are encouraged to make contact through the BPS online community reporting portal, https://portal.police.bm.