Don't Be A Mule!

Firemen Successfully Complete Police Standard & Response Driving Course

Two firemen from the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) have just completed a four-week driver training course with the Bermuda Police Service (BPS). Firefighters Ryan DeSilva and Alex Swan have both successfully completed the course, under the instruction of Driver Training Instructor Police Constable Bianca Glasford. Both men are already trained fire truck drivers. However, having successfully completed this course, enhances their emergency response driving capabilities. The course came together as a result of the BFRS reaching out to the BPS for assistance in training some of their drivers, with the ultimate goal of having these drivers trained at the trainer level and become BFRS driving instructors. When asked how they felt about doing the course, both DeSilva and Swan agreed, they have learned a lot and noticed a considerable change in the standard of their driving. The pair are keen on sharing their newly acquired knowledge with their colleagues. They are also very eager to get on the next Police Advanced Driving Course. The course officially concluded Friday morning, 9th June 2023, with Acting Commissioner of Police Na’imah Astwood giving closing remarks at a roundtable discussion, that included  senior firefighters, Acting Divisional Officer Jay Donawa and Acting Divisional Officer Leonard Davis, as well as Police Driver Training staff, Sgt. Michael Thomas and PC Bianca Glasford. In her remarks, Acting Commissioner Astwood mentioned that she was pleased with the collaboration, stating, “The agencies could benefit considerably from each other, by sharing training resources.” Mrs. Astwood also strongly supports the idea of further collaborative efforts between the police and other agencies. Her sentiments were echoed by the two attending Acting Divisional Officers, who look forward to more joint training opportunities. The BFRS is not the only agency to have benefited from the police driving courses. On previous occasions, the Royal Bermuda Regiment have put soldiers on the same course.

Witness Appeal: 2 Men Arrested After Bermudiana Road Assault & Robbery

The Bermuda Police Service is seeking the assistance of the public with its investigation into an assault and robbery which took place in the City of Hamilton. Around 10:55 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023, police attended Bermudiana Road, Hamilton, following a report of a fight involving a group of males. Upon arrival, officers ascertained that a 25-year-old male and a 24-year-old male were walking along Front Street from the area of the Front Yard establishment and were followed by two other men, to the area of Bermudiana Road. The two male victims were set upon and assaulted by those men. They sustained injures which are deemed to be non-life threatening, nor did they require medical treatment. During the confrontation, a chain and wrist bracelet were stolen from one of the victims. Both suspects were arrested a short time after, and are currently being detained at the Hamilton Police Station, pending further investigations. Police are appealing for anyone who would have witnessed or who may have any information on this incident, to please contact Constable 2468 Jason Savoury of the Criminal Investigative Unit on 247-1744 / 295-0011 or, by e-mailing jsavoury@bps.bm. You may also provide the information via the Bermuda Police Service Community Reporting Portal at https://portal.police.bm. Alternatively, please call the independent and anonymous Crime Stoppers number 800-8477. If you’d prefer, please share the information by speaking with a police officer you know.

Female Visitor Hurt in Rental Scooter Collision on North Shore Road

Around 11:17am Thursday, 8th June 2023, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS) personnel came across what appears to be a single vehicle collision on North Shore Road near the junction with Jennings Road, Smith’s, involving a tourist on a rental cycle. The Bermuda Police Service responded to the collision scene shortly after BFRS personnel encountered the incident. While the exact circumstances remain unclear at this time, it was reported that the injured party, a female tourist and her husband were traveling in the eastbound lane on separate rental cycles, when the woman lost control of her vehicle and as a result, she went over an embankment. The woman was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, where she is being treated for multiple injuries. Traffic headed east was diverted over Jennings Road, while traffic headed west was allowed to continue through in the westbound lane, while the scene was processed. Normal traffic flow has since resumed in the area. Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to contact PC Gregory White on 211 or gwhite@bps.bm.

Operation Azkaban

On Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023, The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) commenced an operation, dubbed operation “AZKABAN.” The BPS Crime Division, supported by the Tactical and Community Policing Divisions, commenced this operation in response to the spate of smash and grab burglaries committed over the past couple of months. On Tuesday, May 30th, the team arrested a 46-year-old man, for a number of burglaries which occurred predominantly at service stations. A day later, another man, aged 36, was also arrested in connection with these matters. Several warrants were executed at residences in Smiths and Hamilton Parishes, where a number of items connected to the burglaries were discovered and seized. A stolen motorcycle was also recovered. The 46-year-old suspect has been charged before the courts and, pleaded guilty to a number of these burglaries. The 36-year-old has been released on police bail. On Tuesday 6th June, 2023, the team again executed several search warrants in the Pembroke, Devonshire and Smiths Parishes, where several items believed to be stolen goods were seized. Two stolen motorcycles were also recovered. Four persons between the ages of 15 and 19, who police suspect were involved in the smash and grab burglaries in the City of Hamilton and Sandys Parish, were arrested. A fifth individual was arrested for suspicion of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, after police discovered a quantity of controlled drugs during a search of his property.  A large quantity of cash believed to be the proceeds of criminality, was also seized. Detective Superintendent (Ag) Sherwin Joseph, who is currently in charge of the Crime Division stated: “We believe that we have successfully disrupted and dismantled two distinct groups of individuals that were responsible for the spate of commercial breaks in the City of Hamilton and environs.” “A number of items suspected to be stolen goods have been recovered, and we are now working with local businesses and members of our community to assist with identifying these items”. No further information will be provided at this time. The BPS Criminal Investigation Unit continues investigations into these matters.

Two Car Collision on South Road in Paget

Two vehicle collision South Road near the junction with Harvey Road in Paget, involving two motor cars. Details surrounding the circumstances of  the collision are being investigated by police, with information suggesting that the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when the collision occurred. A 28 year-old man has been transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries, the extent of which is not known at this time. No other injuries have been reported. Traffic is currently being diverted at Cobbs Hill Road and Southcote Road, while the scene is being processed. Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to contact PC Edwin Dill on 211 or edill@bps.bm.

Witness Appeal: Male Visitor in ICU After Two Vehicle Collision in St. George's

At 3:20pm Tuesday, June 6th, 2023, police and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to a reported two motorcycle collision on Mullet Bay Road, St. George’s, just past the Swing Bridge, before the junction with Stokes Point Road. Upon arrival they found two males and a female lying in the roadway. One male, a 69-year-old visitor from the United States was unresponsive and had suffered a serious head injury. His 66-year-old wife and pillion passenger, also visiting from the U.S., sustained minor bruises about the body. She was conscious and alert. The other male, a 50-year-old Bermudian national, sustained injuries to his neck and left hand. He too was conscious and alert. The injured parties were attended to at the scene by EMTs before being transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, for further treatment for their injuries. At last check the American man was warded in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. His injuries are now deemed to be life threatening. His wife remains in the hospital’s Emergency Department as does the Bermudian male. Their injuries are not considered life threatening. Details of the collision are limited at this time, however, it is understood both men were traveling in opposite directions along Mullet Bay Road when they collided. The collision resulted in the roadway being closed for approximately one hour, then traffic being restricted to one lane for a further three hours, while the scene was forensically processed. The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), wishes to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during this exercise. The BPS is aware of a WhatsApp post shared several times, which indicates the collision was as a result of a police chase involving one of the motorcycle riders. We wish to dispel this unfounded rumour as there was no police chase in progress when the collision occurred. An investigation into this incident has now commenced and anyone with information is asked to contact PC Glynn Kellman on 717-2204 or via e-mail, gkellman@bps.bm. You may also share the information using the BPS community portal at https://portal.police.bm.

Reported Two Motorcycle Collision in St. George’s [Updated]

At 3:20pm Tuesday, 6th June 2023, police and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to a reported two motorcycle collision on Mullet Bay Road, St. George’s, just past the Swing Bridge, before the junction with Stokes Point Road. Early information indicates that two people were injured, with one apparently sustaining a head injury. Motorists are advised to expect delays in the area, as currently traffic flow has been reduced to one lane, while the collision scene is processed. Any witnesses are encouraged to call 211 as soon as possible. A further update is anticipated in due course. Update: Mullet Bay Road, St George, is once again opened to two way traffic. The Bermuda Police Service wishes to thank the public for their patience and cooperation, while the traffic flow was restricted during the processing of the scene of this afternoon’s serious road traffic collision. Second Update: At 3:20pm Tuesday, June 6th, 2023, police and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to a reported two motorcycle collision on Mullet Bay Road, St. George’s, just past the Swing Bridge, before the junction with Stokes Point Road. Upon arrival they found two males and a female lying in the roadway. One male, a 69-year-old visitor from the United States was unresponsive and had suffered a serious head injury. His 66-year-old wife and pillion passenger, also visiting from the U.S., sustained minor bruises about the body. She was conscious and alert. The other male, a 50-year-old Bermudian national, sustained injuries to his neck and left hand. He too was conscious and alert. The injured parties were attended to at the scene by EMTs before being transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, for further treatment for their injuries. At last check the American man was warded in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. His injuries are now deemed to be life threatening. His wife remains in the hospital’s Emergency Department as does the Bermudian male. Their injuries are not considered life threatening. Details of the collision are limited at this time, however, it is understood both men were traveling in opposite directions along Mullet Bay Road when they collided. The collision resulted in the roadway being closed for approximately one hour, then traffic being restricted to one lane for a further three hours, while the scene was forensically processed. The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), wishes to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during this exercise. The BPS is aware of a WhatsApp post shared several times, which indicates the collision was as a result of a police chase involving one of the motorcycle riders. We wish to dispel this unfounded rumour as there was no police chase in progress when the collision occurred. An investigation into this incident has now commenced and anyone with information is asked to contact PC Glynn Kellman on 717-2204 or via e-mail, gkellman@bps.bm. You may also share the information using the BPS community portal at https://portal.police.bm.

400 Motorist Engagements During 315 F Checks Saturday Night

Proactive, highly visible Bermuda Police Service (BPS) activity was carried out within the City of Hamilton from 9pm Saturday, 3rd June 2023 until 3am Sunday, 4th June 2023. Part of the exercise saw BPS officers perform 315 F checks along Crow Lane between 9:45pm Saturday and 12:10am Sunday, under the authority outlined in the Criminal Code Amendment (No. 2) Act 2005. As a result, there were 400 motorist engagements resulting in four arrests for outstanding warrants, four traffic tickets issued for no driver’s licence, one arrest on suspicion of possessing a controlled drug and one arrest for possession of drug equipment. During police patrols elsewhere in the city, one motorist was arrested for care and control of a vehicle while intoxicated 2:15am Sunday, at the junction of Reid Street and Court Street. Another motorist received an official written warning regarding their manner of driving. The specific policing action was accomplished in addition to general patrols throughout the island during this past weekend. Appropriate enforcement efforts will continue at various locations around the island to reduce the likelihood of violence, while deterring and tackling any traffic offences.

Change of Command Ceremony: Bermuda Reserve Police

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.