Wed, 2007-06-20

I, the Commissioner of Police, would like to apologize to the public for the theft of documents that were a part of Police investigations and the subsequent concerns that have arisen in the community and the Service. I abhor the conduct of those that were involved.

The Bermuda Police Service is investigating the theft of confidential documents relating to the BHC and other inquiries. The Service would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that the Police have operational independence and the command and control of the Service is a matter for the Commissioner of Police. The allocation of resources to this investigation is also a matter for the Commissioner of Police and other senior members of the Service.

The lines of inquiry that the Bermuda Police Service is pursuing and intends to pursue are entirely a matter for the Service, subject to applicable legislation. The theft of Police files is considered a major breach, as it erodes the trust the public has delicately placed in the hands of the investigators and we are duty bound to investigate without fear, prejudice or favour.

We want the public to feel confident that this is a standardized, systematic investigation that is following the normal investigative course which includes pursuing lines of inquiry and interviewing witnesses. We are confident that all measures that have been taken by the Police have been appropriate for the circumstances of this case.

At this juncture, in accordance with established good practice, I have invited a UK Police Force to review the conduct of our investigation and provide assistance and support to our team. Officers from Kent Constabulary will arrive on the island in due course. I am reiterating that this hits at the very heart of policing and we urge anyone that can provide any information pertaining to this matter to contact Police.

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