Change of Command Ceremony: Bermuda Reserve Police
Fri, 2023-06-02
At 6:30pm Thursday, 1st June 2023 at the Police Recreation Club hall in Prospect, Devonshire, a new Commandant of the Bermuda Reserve Police
(BRP), Ron-Michel Davis, was officially sworn in by Commissioner of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) Darrin Simons, in front of a capacity audience.
Outgoing Commandant Sandra Beach was thanked for her 28 years of voluntary service, having joined the BRP on 8th July 1995, the last 7 years served as Commandant. Mrs Beach had the distinction of being the first female officer to lead the BRP. Mrs. Beach gave a speech thanking her colleagues for their support during her time as Commandant.
Incoming Commandant Ron-Michel Davis joined the BRP on 13th November 2001 and was promoted, in March of 2014, to the rank of Deputy Commandant.
Mr. Davis swore the Official Oath, Oath of Allegiance and the Ceremonial Oath in front of a capacity audience of friends, colleagues and family, following which the official change of command was carried out where the Commandant’s sword was ceremonially passed from Commandant Beach to Commandant Davis with due pomp and ceremony.
After being officially sworn in as Commandant Thursday evening, Mr. Davis took the opportunity to thank his family, friends and colleagues for their ongoing support and outlined his plans for the BRP during his tenure as Commandant to which he asked to be held to account, stating that he was a man of his word and that his word was his bond. He also outlined his plans to strengthen ties with other Reserve Police Services in similar jurisdictions including the Royal Bahamas Police Reserves.
The prayer of dedication was given by Mr. Davis’ father the Reverend Rodney Grimes and the Bermuda Police Service Chaplain Dr. Kevin Santucci gave the closing prayer before a rousing performance of the BPS Anthem “True Blue” was played by the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band to close the proceedings.
BPS and BRP senior leadership team members present were Commissioner Darrin Simons, Deputy Commissioner Na’imah Astwood, Assistant Commissioners Martin Weekes and Antoine Daniels, along with Reserve Inspectors Mikkel Harris and Shawn Russell.
Dignitaries and special guests also in attendance included:
Her Excellency the Governor, Ms. Rena Lalgie
Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks JP, MP
Permanent Secretary for National Security, Lt. Col. Edward Lamb
Royal Bermuda Regiment Major Duncan E. R. Simons
Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Dana Lovell
Ombudsman Mr. Michael DeSilva, retired Commissioner of Police
Musical performances by the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band were courtesy of Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Benjamin Beasley.
Photos courtesy of Dexter Flood.
Read MorePublic Advisory Regarding Voice Note & Video Clips Circulating
Thu, 2023-06-01
The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a voice-note accompanied by video clips warning residents to be aware of an individual suspected of breaking into properties on Second Avenue, Pembroke.
A report has been received from a member of the public and investigation has commenced.
Anyone with any information on this matter is urged to please call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or upload the information to the BPS Community Reporting Portal, https://portal.police.bm.
We also advise against confronting any individual you suspect of having broken into your residence. Instead, please contact police via the aforementioned means.
Assistant Commissioner Weekes: Operation Vega Impaired Driving Statistics
Thu, 2023-06-01
Assistant Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes, Operations: "The most recent Operation Vega statistics indicate that between January and May 2023, there were 117 arrests for impaired driving. For the same period in 2022, there were 71 such arrests.
To say that these numbers are concerning, would be an understatement. Remember, every time you operate a vehicle while impaired, there is the potential to cause significant damage, life altering injury or, death.
Whilst the BPS has stepped up patrols as part of Operation Vega, police presence alone cannot prevent drinking and driving. Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints are advertised days in advance of them being implemented, yet individuals are still arrested for impaired driving during these exercises.
This is a “Bermuda” problem that requires more than enforcement to fix. We as a country must look at the drinking culture that alcohol consumption is a prerequisite for having a good time at social gatherings, be they dinner parties, a session or fete.
That, coupled with the realisation that we must accept individual responsibility for our actions. It might be cliché, but if you plan to drink to have a good time, then you must plan to get home without operating a vehicle on the road.
The BPS do not wish to prevent you having a good time, all we ask is that you consider your actions and those of family and friends around you, to ensure you all get safely home at the end of the day.
While the life you save may be your own, are you prepared to live with the fact that you took the life of another person because you decided to drive drunk, buzzed or high?"
Operation Vega Update for May 2023
Thu, 2023-06-01
Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell, Tactical Operations Division – “The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) continues our efforts to reduce harm on Bermuda’s roads. As we enter the summer months, it is likely that there will be an increased number of visitors using the island’s roads. Please look out for them and each other, by making sensible decisions while driving or riding.”
Statistics
From 1st January until 31st May 2023, 117 motorists were arrested for impaired driving – 14 in January, 27 in February, 25 in March, 21 in April and 30 in May. In comparison, for the same five month period in 2022, a total of 71 motorists were arrested for impaired driving.
During the month of May 2023, 284 traffic tickets were issued by the BPS, down from 471 issued during April 2023. In addition, 50 motorist advice notices (official written warnings) were issued in May, down from 59 in the previous month.
May also saw 175 parking tickets issued, down from 209 parking tickets issued the month before.
Since the start of Operation Vega (6th July 2021), a total of 10,014 traffic tickets have been issued. The breakdown of ticketed traffic offences for May 2023 is below. The change compared to April 2023 is provided in brackets.
Speeding 78 (-71) Speeds ranged from 59 kph to 86 kph.
Traffic sign 34 (+5)
Unlicensed vehicle 45 (-35)
No third party insurance 40 (-24)
No driver’s licence 32 (-25)
Manner of driving 9 (-2)
Disqualified driver 1 (0)
Seatbelt 23 (+14)
Helmet 2 (-6)
Handheld device 5 (-13)
Defective vehicle 1 (-2)
Fail to give name/address 0 (0)
Fail to stop 3 (-4)
Fraudulent documents 3 (+3)
Making false statement 0 (0)
License plate offence 8 (-8)
Tint offence 0 (-14)
Youth license offence 0 (-4)
Ongoing Witness Appeal: Seriously Hurt Male Motorcyclist Remains in ICU
Wed, 2023-05-31
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), is renewing its appeal for information regarding that serious single vehicle collision, which took place on Crow Lane Sunday, May 28th, 2023.
The 44-year-old male victim in that collision remains in the Intensive Care Unit for further medical treatment of his injuries, which are life threatening.
You may remember around 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, police responded to a report of a single vehicle collision involving a motorcycle near the eastbound Crow Lane, Pembroke bus stop.
When they arrived, police officers and emergency medical personnel found a 44-year-old male, unconscious but breathing.
Indications are the male motorcyclist was traveling along the eastbound carriageway of Crow Lane, on the approach to the North Roundabout, when he somehow became involved in a collision and was ejected from the bike.
He suffered serious head and facial injuries as well as a serious injury to his left arm.
He was provided treatment at the scene by EMTs and was subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
The investigation into this matter remains ongoing and anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Police Constable Mervin Homer on 295-0011 or, via email mhomer@bps.bm.
You may also call 211, submit the information using the BPS Community Reporting Portal at https://portal.police.bm or, speak with a police officer you’re comfortable with.
Alternatively, you may anonymously share any information you have by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477 or by visiting their website - www.crimestoppers.bm.
Sudden Death: Unresponsive Male Found on Par-La-Ville Road
Tue, 2023-05-30
Around 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023, police received a report of an unresponsive male in the walkway of a property on Par-La-Ville Road, Pembroke.
Police and other emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene.
On arrival, officers ascertained that the person was deceased.
The police doctor attended and certified death shortly after.
There were no signs of foul play.
However, the location was processed by the Forensics Support Unit to assist with the pending enquiry.
The body was subsequently transported to the morgue at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
No further information will be provided at this time.
A coroner's enquiry will be completed.
Serious Single Vehicle Motorcycle Collision in Paget
Tue, 2023-05-30
Around 1:00pm on 30th May 2023, police and other emergency services responded to a report of a single vehicle collision on South Road just outside of Ice Queen, in Paget.
Initial enquires suggests that an elderly man traveling west on a motorcycle, lost control of his vehicle, causing him to veer across the road into the eastbound lane and hit a wall. The man was transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment of suspected head injuries.
Traffic was diverted around the scene for about an hour, while police processed the scene.
Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to contact police on 211.
Motorcyclist in ICU After Serious Single Vehicle Collision on Crow Lane [Updated]
Mon, 2023-05-29
Around 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 28th, 2023, police received a 911 report of a single vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle on Crow Lane, Pembroke, near the east bound bus stop.
Police officers and EMS personnel responded and found the victim, a 44-year-old male, unconscious but breathing.
He sustained serious head and facial injuries as well as an injury to his left arm.
He was provided treatment at the scene by EMTs and was subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
At last check he remained unconscious in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
An investigation into this matter has now begun and anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Sergeant Jonathan Talbot on 717-2452 or 295-0011.
Sergeant Talbot may also be contacted via email, jtalbot@bps.bm.
Update: Wednesday, 31st May - The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), is renewing its appeal for information regarding that serious single vehicle collision, which took place on Crow Lane Sunday, May 28th, 2023.
The 44-year-old male victim in that collision remains in the Intensive Care Unit for further medical treatment of his injuries, which are life threatening.
You may remember around 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, police responded to a report of a single vehicle collision involving a motorcycle near the eastbound Crow Lane, Pembroke bus stop.
When they arrived, police officers and emergency medical personnel found a 44-year-old male, unconscious but breathing.
Indications are the male motorcyclist was traveling along the eastbound carriageway of Crow Lane, on the approach to the North Roundabout, when he somehow became involved in a collision and was ejected from the bike.
He suffered serious head and facial injuries as well as a serious injury to his left arm.
He was provided treatment at the scene by EMTs and was subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
The investigation into this matter remains ongoing and anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Police Constable Mervin Homer on 295-0011 or, via email mhomer@bps.bm.
You may also call 211, submit the information using the BPS Community Reporting Portal at https://portal.police.bm or, speak with a police officer you’re comfortable with.
Alternatively, you may anonymously share any information you have by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477 or by visiting their website - www.crimestoppers.bm.
Bermuda Day Holiday Policing Overview
Mon, 2023-05-29
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) wishes to thank the public for the support and cooperation provided our officers over the Bermuda Day holiday weekend.
There were no major acts of criminality to report and it appears residents embraced our appeals for respect to be shown to each other and celebrated the holiday in true Bermuda spirit.
Despite the overall peaceful nature of the holiday, the BPS made thirty-two arrests for various offences, including a large number for impaired driving. This is disappointing for a weekend where Roadside Sobriety Testing was gazetted and well publicised.
Between the sobriety testing checkpoints and motorists stopped by BPS officers on general patrol, a total of twelve people were arrested on suspicion of impaired driving. Three of whom ultimately passed the alco-analyser testing at Hamilton Police Station and were subsequently released.
Elsewhere, a total of forty-six tickets were issued for traffic offences.
The breakdown is as follows:
Failing to display required lights - 1
Navigating a boat in Ferry Reach causing wake - 1
Parking in a prohibited manner - 9
No insurance - 4
Using or permitting use of unlicensed vehicle - 4
Disobeying traffic signs - 5
Driving in a manner dangerous - 2
Seatbelt Infraction - 2
Speeding - 6
No driver’s licence - 1
Fail to exhibit number plate - 3
Motorist notice (warning) - 6
Use of cell-phone - 1
Making false statements – 1
We can also confirm there were very few reports of public violence. In fact, there were only two such incidents of note for the entire weekend.
Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 25th, 2023, officers attended King Edward VII Memorial Hospital following a report that a fifteen year old boy had been stabbed. Further investigations revealed he and three other males of similar age were walking along Bakery Lane, near the junction with St. John’s Road, Pembroke. The victim and one of the males reportedly got into a shoving match. The alleged perpetrator pulled a knife from his waist, and stabbed the victim in the upper back. The injury was not considered serious or life threatening.
The second incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, May 27th. Around 12:45 a.m. on that date, police received a report of an assault and wilful damage at The Front Yard, Front Street, City of Hamilton. A security guard at the establishment reportedly intervened in a physical altercation between the male suspect, and a woman. The suspect then attacked the security guard, punching him about the head and face.
Investigations into these matters remain ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the main police number 295-0011, or provide the information using the BPS reporting portal https://portal.police.bm. If you prefer, we urge you to call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477 or, provide the information to a police officer with whom you’re familiar or are comfortable speaking with.
Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations, Martin Weekes remarked: “Despite the poor weather conditions over the weekend, the officers of the Bermuda Police Service continued working to Make Bermuda Safer, conducting traffic stops, Roadside Sobriety Testing and manning the routes of the races and parades in the pouring rain. I wish to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to our officers for their efforts as well as the continued high levels of professionalism with which they so willingly performed their duties.
Also, again, thank you to you the members of the public for working with your Bermuda Police Service and doing your part in keeping the peace to help make Bermuda Day 2023 such a joyous occasion.”
U.S. Counterfeit Currency Advisory
Thu, 2023-05-25
The Bermuda Police Service urges business owners and other members of the public to be alert when conducting transactions in $U.S. notes.
There have been recently confirmed reports of counterfeit $U.S. notes being used by individuals to purchase items at local establishments.
The counterfeit notes detected have been in the following denominations:
U.S. $100 with serial number DB66688803Z
U.S. $50 with serial number PC 07801761A
U.S. $20 with serial number PF847172451
U.S. $10 with serial number GL64739922A
However, it should be noted that the counterfeit currency currently in circulation may not be limited to the serial numbers listed.
Employees are reminded that if counterfeit cash is detected during a transaction, the member of staff receiving the fake money should hold on to it, jot down a description of the individual who tendered it and contact police immediately. Similarly, members of the public should take a few seconds to examine any $U.S. notes they may receive, especially the larger denominations.
Persons who may have unknowingly received counterfeit currency are encouraged to call the main police telephone number 295-0011 at the earliest opportunity, to report the matter.
Alternatively, if you are aware of suspicious circumstances regarding suspected counterfeit currency and wish to report it anonymously, please call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477.
It should also be noted, once again, that it is a criminal offence to pass to another, possess, make or reproduce any counterfeit currency; punishable by up to five years in prison – and those caught committing such offences can expect to be prosecuted.
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