PRIVACY NOTICE: Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) 2016

Tue, 2024-12-31

Privacy Notice

The role of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is to make Bermuda safer by; protecting life and property; maintaining law and order; preserving the peace; bringing offenders to justice according to the law.

Any processing of personal information about you is carried out in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) 2016. We are required to explain what information we hold about you, why we hold information about you, how we use that information and whether we will share that information with anyone else.

Under PIPA, “personal information” means any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual. Examples include names, dates of birth, photographs, video footage, email addresses, and telephone numbers. “Sensitive personal information” is a defined term in PIPA that includes among others information relating to such aspects as place of origin, race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, health, disabilities, and religious belief. (Note: For a complete list, see section 7 of PIPA). Full PDF Document.

Drugs Seizure

Tue, 2025-04-22

On Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, the Police Drug Unit and Support Unit, in collaboration with the Customs Department, executed an operation based on the seizure of a quantity of a controlled drug with an estimated street value of over one million dollars. The operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals, including one foreign national.

"This is a significant seizure that will have a positive impact on our community," said Acting Detective Inspector Mark Raposo, the officer in charge of the Drug Unit.

He added, "Police and HM Customs are committed to working together to tackle drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime. The success of this operation demonstrates the effectiveness of our joint efforts and our determination to keep our community safe. We will continue to work tirelessly to identify and disrupt the sales, distribution, and trafficking of illicit drugs."

The police are urging anyone with information about drug-related activity to come forward and report it to the authorities.

Easter Weekend Policing

Mon, 2025-04-21

Officers were kept busy over the Easter holiday weekend, with a total twenty-three arrests for various offences including outstanding warrants, impaired driving, possession of bladed articles and possession of controlled drugs.

Roadside sobriety checkpoints (RSC) were carried out as advertise and  two people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The highest breathalyser reading was measured at 136 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. Bearing in mind the legal limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

Meanwhile, there were fourteen reported road traffic collisions. Of that number, five were damage only and six resulted injury. The most serious being a broken leg.

In order to prevent further offences of violence particularly in light of a recent increase in the use of knives, a number of stop and search road-checks were put in place for the duration of the long weekend resulting in a total of five persons being arrested for possession of bladed articles including a machete, an axe and a knife which had an eight inch blade.

Martin Weekes, Assistant Commissioner of Police, stated, “The Bermuda Police Service cannot stress enough, the dangers associated with the carrying of bladed articles. In many instances when found with these items, individuals say they are carrying them for protection purposes. However, evidence shows that carrying bladed articles such as machetes or knives, actually increases the chances of you being injured.”

“Our officers will continue to lawfully stop persons under section 315-F of the criminal code in an effort to prevent persons using these items as weapons whether for protection or for purposes of inflicting harm on others.”

A number of those arrested over the weekend appeared before the courts this morning. It is anticipated that others will follow suit in due course.

Reported Serious Single Vehicle Road Traffic Collision in Devonshire

Sat, 2025-04-19

Shortly after midnight on Friday, April 18, 2025, police and other first responders attended a serious single vehicle road traffic collision involving a motor car near the junction of Brighton Hill and South Shore Road, Devonshire.

Initial information suggests the vehicle was traveling east along the South Shore Road, when it appears the driver lost control negotiating a right hand turn.

The vehicle struck the nearby curb and came to a stop on its side in a nearby agricultural plot.

It’s unclear whether the driver or any occupants were injured in the collision.

Checks at tKing Edward VII Memorial Hospital, confirmed no one attended the facility seeking treatment for injuries consistent with a motor vehicle collision.

Anyone with information on this incident is us to call the main police number 295-0011, the non-emergency reporting number 211, or the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788.

Police Respond to Disturbance at Elbow Beach Hotel

Fri, 2025-04-18

Shortly before 3:30 p.m. on Friday, 18 April 2025, police were dispatched to a report of a disturbance on the grounds of the Elbow Beach Hotel in Paget.

Details surrounding the incident are limited at this time. However, it has been confirmed that one male has been transported to hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident. Another male has been taken into police custody in connection with the matter.

An active investigation is now underway, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.

The Bermuda Police Service is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information that could assist with inquiries to contact 211 or the main police number at 295-0011.

BPS Detectives Attend Bermuda Hosted FATF Meeting

Thu, 2025-04-17

From April 6 to 8, 2025 Bermuda hosted the 7th meeting of the Counter Terrorist Financing Overseas Territories forum. The Acting Governor Tom Oppenheim MBE, welcomed high level delegations from the overseas territories and a special guest speaker, Dawne Spicer, the Executive Director of Caribbean Financial Action Task Force.

During the forum, specialists from the HM Treasury UK Technical Assistance Unit supported members in enhancing their understanding and mitigation of terrorist financing risks to protect communities and the financial centres.

A number of officers from the Bermuda Police Service including Detective Chief Inspector, Jason Smith, Detective Inspector, Leroy Mathurin, Detective Sergeant, Crai-CheHall, all attended.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith stated, “The experience gained at this forum will bolster the skills of these officers and by extension the entire Bermuda Police Service, as they relate to financial crime investigation. This is not only in terms of preventing terrorist financing, but also money laundering and other similar criminal activity.”

Renewed Witness Appeal: Lionel Thomas Jr. Fatal Collision

Thu, 2025-04-17

The Bermuda Police Service is once again appealing to the public for information on the road traffic collision which claimed the life of Mr. Lionel Thomas Jr.

Mr. Thomas succumbed to injuries sustained in a collision which occurred shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025, on St. David’s Road, just east of the Southside Police Station.

We are particularly interested in speaking with residents of the nearby Harbour View condominium complex, who may have information, no matter how insignificant you think it to be, pertaining to this incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit on, 247-1788.

You may also call 211 or, provide the information by using the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.

2025 BOT Women in Policing Awards Recognise Four BPS Staff

Fri, 2025-04-11

Four Bermuda Police Service (BPS) staff were officially recognised by the British Overseas Territories (BOT) Women in Policing Network for their outstanding contributions, during an 11am Thursday, 10th April 2025 online ceremony.

The awardees, from Anguilla, Bermuda, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, St. Helena and the Sovereign Base Areas (Cyprus), were nominated by their respective law enforcement agency and selected by an independent overseas committee, for their efforts in recognising and supporting women in policing.

Expressing delight in this international recognition, Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons stated, “I'm absolutely thrilled to share that four of our own were recognised for their incredible work, dedication and talent, embodying the values and commitment we strive for in the BPS every day. These individuals represent the high calibre we have within the BPS, and their achievements reflect positively on all of us. This thoroughly well-deserved recognition makes me incredibly proud to lead this Service.”

The BPS recipients are:

Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns: Winner of the Inspirational Woman Award! Her resilience, leadership, and initiative in launching the BPS Women in Policing Network are truly inspiring.

Inspector Cerepha Bridgeman: Highly Commended for the Leadership Award! Her deep commitment to community engagement, youth mentorship, and supporting vulnerable groups really stands out.

Mrs. Julie Trott: Received special recognition for her outstanding contributions, particularly her exceptional leadership in complex procurement processes, project management, and stepping up to guide the BPS Technology Department.

Chief Inspector Andrew Smalling: Highly Commended for the HeForShe Award! He was recognised for his consistent, positive efforts in championing equality and supporting colleagues throughout the Service.

The motto of the BOT Women in Policing Network is: Inspire, Unite, Empower.

Overall, its aim is to develop sustainable and inclusive networks for all women in policing across the British Overseas Territories, ensuring that every woman has a community she can get help from, by creating mentorship opportunities; supporting career development; raising and addressing concerns; while providing international connections through the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE).

In the photo, from left to right: Deputy Commissioner of Police Na’imah Astwood, Mrs. Julie Trott, Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns, Inspector Cerepha Bridgeman and Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons.

Not pictured, but participated online: Chief Inspector Andrew Smalling.

Investigation Ongoing Regarding 2022 Murder of Che Jennings

Tue, 2025-04-08

24-year-old Che Jennings was fatally shot multiple times in the parking lot of Warwick Workmen’s Club, Thursday 7th April 2022 around 8:30pm, following a community Easter event.

Initial inquiries led to an appeal regarding two men on a white motorcycle, heading east on Middle Road, Warwick, shortly after 8:30pm that same night, three years ago.

The rider of that motorcycle wore a red jacket, while the passenger had on a yellow jacket. Both the rider and passenger wore black helmets. Both individuals were in and around Warwick, plus surrounding areas, for some time the night of Mr. Jennings’ murder.

In due course two individuals were arrested in connection with the 24-year-old’s murder and later released on police bail.

However, to date no further arrests have been made related to the young man’s killing.

This murder investigation remains active.

Detectives are grateful for the assistance received from the public so far and remain confident that there are individuals who have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the murder of Mr. Jennings.

Anyone that can help bring those responsible to justice are once again encouraged to contact the Serious Crime Unit by calling 247-1739, in confidence.

Specifically, please reach out to Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns on 247-1739, or e-mail dburns@bps.bm.

In addition, relevant information can be provided to Acting Detective Inspector Anneka Donawa on 247-1739, or by e-mailing adonawa@bps.bm.

Alternatively, anonymous tips can be shared through the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline 800-8477, or their website, www.crimestoppers.bm.

Photo of Che Jennings.