Thu, 2025-02-06

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.

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Wed, 2025-02-05

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.

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Mon, 2025-02-03

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!

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Fri, 2025-01-31

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.

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Fri, 2025-01-31

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.

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Thu, 2025-01-30

Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph of the Bermuda Police Service and Crown Counsel T’deana Spencer of the Department of Public Prosecution, attended the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Standards Training, in Busan South Korea.

The training was centred on international guidelines and procedures to counter Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, Proliferation Financing and Sanctions.

The training is part of ongoing efforts to build the capacity of Bermuda’s National Anti-Money Laundering Committee, as they continue to prepare for the upcoming Mutual Evaluation country assessment.

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Mon, 2025-01-27

Single Vehicle Collision

Around 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2025, Police officers were on mobile patrol along South Road, Paget South Road when they observed a single vehicle collision involving a motorcycle near Tribe Road Number 4B.

The motorcycle rider, a male, was found lying in a ditch at the side of the westbound lane of South Road and a motorcycle hanging from a branch of a tree nearby.

Officers spoke with witnesses who were on scene and stated the rider was initially traveling east on South Road and overtook a number of vehicles before he made a u-turn and began traveling west on South Road.

He reportedly lost control of the motorcycle as he attempted to negotiate a right hand bend and went off the road and into the trees.

The rider was initially assisted by members of the public before he was attended to at the scene by Emergency Medical Services. He was subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, for what treatment of what were described as serious but non-life-threatening injuries, including a collapsed lung, a broken leg and fractured ribs.

An investigation into this matter has now commenced and anyone witnesses or persons with information are asked to contact Police Constable Zahjarie Augustus via e-mail at zaugustus@bps.bm or by calling the main police number 295-0011.

Hit and Run Collision

Shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025, police attended a reported serious road traffic collision involving two motorcycles on Church Street near the junction with Wesley Street in the City of Hamilton.

Upon police arrival it was ascertained that one motorcycle was traveling east along Church Street, when the rider of the second bike which was traveling east along Wesley Street failed to obey a stop sign at the junction and rode into the path of the first bike bike.

This resulted in a collision in which the motorcyclist who was traveling along Church Street sustained abrasions to his face and hands.

He was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment for his injuries which were described as minor.

The rider of the other motorcycle left the scene prior to the arrival of the police.

This matter is being investigated by Police Sergeant Milton Hill. He may be reached via e-mail at mjhill@bps.bm or by contacting phone number 515-2481.

Two Vehicle Collision

Around 8:35 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025, police attended a two vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a motorcar on South Road Paget.

Reports indicate a motorcar was being driven east along South Road, Paget, when upon nearing the junction with Lover’s Lane, it was stuck by a motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction.

The male motorcyclist was said to have been approaching a left hand bend in the road when he crossed over into the opposite lane and collided with the motorcar.

He was transported by ambulance to hospital for treatment of head and facial injuries.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact Police Constable Kion-Keith Wade via e-mail at, kwade@bps.bm or by calling the main police number, 295-0011.

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Mon, 2025-01-27

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) has been made aware of a video circulating on social media which includes allegations that have no support in the investigation into the death of Mr. Marco Warren.

Addressing the situation, Darrin Simons, Commissioner of Police stated, “Since this unfortunate incident, the Premier has been in contact with police and willingly assisted us with our ongoing inquiry. Additionally, I must state clearly, there is no information to suggest that government Minister, Tinee Furbert, has had any involvement in the matters alleged.”

Mr. Simons assured, “The BPS operates with fairness, impartiality, and integrity, and we keep an open mind with every investigation. We continue to encourage anyone who may have relevant information to come forward and assist us in our efforts. If you have any information, please contact Acting Detective Superintendent, Jason Smith on 717-0864 or, via email at, jsmith2@bps.bm. You may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.”

The Commissioner added, “I must also address the public directly regarding the spread of unfounded or slanderous posts on social media. Sharing unsubstantiated claims or defamatory content can have serious consequences not only for the individuals targeted, but also legally, for those responsible. I urge the community to think carefully before engaging with or, spreading such content.”

The Bermuda Police Service remains unwavering in delivering justice through fact-based investigation. We sincerely ask for your cooperation and understanding as we continue this important work.

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Sat, 2025-01-25

Shortly after 10:20 am on Saturday, January 25, 2025, police received a report of a body found in the water off Caroline Bay Marina, Morgan’s point, Sandys Parish.

Police as well as the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard attended the scene.

Upon arrival, the lifeless body of a male was seen in the water at the edge of a rocky outcrop a short distance from the dock.

An on call doctor attended and confirmed the death of the male, a 59-year-old Bermudian National.

An investigation into this matter has now begun. The Bermuda Police Service is aware there are individuals who live on boats docked at the Caroline Bay Marina.

We are asking that any such residents or, anyone who lives near the water in the Caroline Bay area and may have any information on this matter, to please call the main police number, 295-0011. You may also call the non-emergency reporting number 211 or provide the information via the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.

We are aware of an image of the scene being circulated on social media. We ask that you be considerate of the family of the deceased and not share that image on, should you receive it.

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Sat, 2025-01-25

Shortly before 10:00 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025, Police and other first responders attended a serious road traffic collision near the junction of Cobbs Hill and the Railway Trail, Paget.

Initial information is that the collision involved a single vehicle, a motorcycle.

The male motorcycle rider was said to be breathing but unresponsive. He was transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

However, at last check he was alert and responding, but continued to receive treatment at hospital.

The collision scene remained closed for approximately two and a half hours with traffic diversions in place at Cobbs Hill and Middle Road, as well as Cobbs Hill and Ord Road.

We wish to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during this period.

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