Officer Suspended

Monday, July 20,2020

OFFICER SUSPENDED Yesterday, an officer was suspended in relation to ongoing discipline matters. Because the investigation is on-going no further details or names will be released.  Darrin Simons, Deputy Commissioner of Police said: “Please be reminded suspension is never a finding of guilt. Rather, having regard to; the nature of the allegation, consideration of restricted duties, the need for an effective investigation and, the public’s interest, is the appropriate course of action in the circumstances.”

Death of Lavonte Williams

Monday, June 29,2020

The Bermuda Police Service can now identify the victim in yesterday’s fatal marine incident as Lavonte Williams. Mr. Williams was thrown from his jet-ski while out on the Great Sound at about 7:00 p.m. on Sunday 28th June. He was taken by boat to the dock at Jews Bay, where a waiting ambulance conveyed him to the King Edward the VII memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the family of the deceased during this difficult time. The Bermuda Police Service extends its sincerest condolences to the relatives of Mr. Williams.

Statement from Commissioner of Police on DPP Decision

Thursday, June 25,2020

Following a complaint of serious sexual assault by a serving police against two other serving officers, a criminal investigation was commenced, alongside employment matters of gross misconduct to which the officers were suspended.  A file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Office for charging consideration.  An assessment by the DPP decided upon examination of all the evidence presented that there was not a realistic chance of prosecution in this matter beyond all reasonable doubt.  The officers subject to the criminal allegation have subsequently been informed, however they remain suspended and the BPS disciplinary process will make assessment to their behavior, a process that, unlike the criminal threshold, is based on the balance of probability. As Commissioner of Police I support all who make complaint of sexual assault, whether they be a police officer or member of the public of any ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.  We continue to look after the officer who made this complaint at this difficult time, with the provision of counselling and welfare support.  I understand the officer will now seek judicial review in regards to the DPPs decision which he is legally entitled to do.  In view of this action it would be inappropriate for the BPS to make any further comment until this process is completed.

Chaplain Bay Disturbance

Thursday, June 25,2020

The Bermuda Police is investigating a disturbance which occurred at Chaplin Bay, Warwick, at around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday, 24th June. Police received a number of calls around that time, reporting a large group of individuals gathered in the area fighting, using helmets and throwing bottles. Upon police arrival, most of the individuals had already dispersed or were in the process of leaving the scene. Those spoken to, declined to provide any information to officers including members of the Criminal Investigations Unit, who attended the scene. Out of an abundance of caution and to provide reassurance to the Warwick community, police maintained a high visibility presence in the area. Police later received reports of a male arriving at King Edward VII Hospital with a stab wound to his arm. However, there is nothing to confirm the injured male was involved in the Chaplin Bay incident. He declined to provide any information to police as to how he sustained the injury.

Woman Seriously Injured in Machete Attack

Saturday, June 20,2020

Around 10:50pm 19th June, police responded to a report of a serious assault on a 33 yr-old female in the Cedar Hill Warwick area. Details are limited at this time however it was initially reported that the victim was in the yard of a private residence when she was set upon by a group of unknown individuals brandishing at least one machete. The victim was then conveyed to KEMH for treatment of her injuries which are deemed to be serious. The scene was processed by forensic officers and an investigation has commenced. Anyone who may have seen persons in the area acting suspiciously or has information to assist police, we are asking that you call 211 or the confidential Crimestoppers number 800-8477.

Murder Victim Identified as Mr. Joshua Rowse

Thursday, June 18,2020

The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 22-year-old Joshua Rowse. Mr. Rowse passed away at the King Edward the VII Memorial Hospital, after he fell victim to a brutal knife attack on Sunday 13th June, 2020, outside the Rubis Service Station on the South Shore Road in Warwick. Four men have now been taken into custody in connection with what is being investigated as the murder of Joshua Rowse. However, investigators would still like to hear from and speak with anyone who may have witnessed or have any information on this tragic incident, no matter how insignificant you may think it to be, to please contact Acting Detective Chief Inspector Kenten Trott on 717-2345, the main police number, 295-0011 or, 211.  Anyone wishing to give information anonymously, can do so by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477. A family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the Rowse family and the Bermuda Police service extends our sincerest condolences to them at this most difficult time. 

ACOP Weekes Comments On Police Officer Struck By Motorcyclist

Monday, May 25,2020

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Martin Weekes, today commented that over the weekend, officers from the Roads Policing Unit were on duty enforcing road traffic laws, and in particular speed offences and offences involving driving whilst impaired.Whilst not able to speak to specific incidents, Mr. Weekes noted that an officer was injured when he was struck by a motorcycle ridden by a subject who was later arrested for driving whilst impaired. The officer was treated at the hospital for his injuries.

The Death of Mr. Henry Santucci

Tuesday, May 19,2020

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), can now confirm the identity of the victim in that fatal stabbing incident on Saturday 16th May, as 60-year-old Mr. Henry Santucci. The Bermuda Police Service extends its sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Santucci during this difficult time. The BPS continues to appeal for anyone with information on this incident, to please contact the main police number on 295-0011 or the police reporting number 211. Alternatively, persons wishing to provide information anonymously, may do so by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.    

Retail Sector/ Restaurant Covid-19 Physical Distancing Compliance

Wednesday, May 06,2020

The Bermuda Police Service has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to work on ways to help patrons and owners at reopened businesses, abide by the new regulations in the area of physical distancing and wearing of protective face-masks when shopping.  Yesterday, the Parish Constables from the Community Policing Division of the Bermuda Police Service visited restaurant and retail locations island wide, to speak with business owners and patrons to advise on the new regulations and Government guidance. We are happy to report that for the most part, business were doing their part by placing markers 6 feet apart, displaying signage and had staff monitoring the lines to enforce physical distancing and the wearing of masks. During the weekend, there were a number of reports made to the Covid Portal https://portal.police.bm as well as on Social Media that some retail establishments and restaurants were not being compliant with the Covid-19 Regulations.

Traffic Wardens to Enforce Parking Restrictions

Tuesday, May 05,2020

The BPS would like to advise the public that as retail businesses in the City reopen and traffic in the City increases, that the Traffic Wardens will be patrolling the city enforcing parking restrictions as well as advising on physical distancing and the wearing of masks when queuing outside shops and restaurants. 

Community Advisory

Sunday, May 03,2020

Martin Weekes - Assistant Commissioner of Police: "As we move into Phase One of the reopening of Bermuda the Shelter at Home regulations have been replaced by the Continuing Precautions Regulations which include a NightTime Curfew between 10PM and 6AM, where residents must remain at their own home. The Bermuda Police Service alongside our partners in the Royal Bermuda regiment will be out on the street strictly enforcing this curfew.During the daytime hours the BPS will be conducting High Visibility patrols in neighbourhoods, around retail stores and grocery stores to enforce the regulations around physical distancing as well as to enforce the new regulations that specify that no large groups of persons can congregate either in public places or in private homes. The Regulations state that any group larger than ten persons is prohibited and it is an offence to host any large group.Boating is of course now allowed however the regulations are clear that only members of members of the same household may get together on a boat up to a maximum of ten persons per vessel. No Raft Ups may take place and all boating activity must cease before 7pmWhilst public recreational spaces such as parks beaches and railway trails are open, appropriate physical distancing MUST be observed and large groups are prohibited. Public playgrounds and exercise equipment must not be used.Residents are urged to show extra care on the roads and the Roads Policing Unit will be out enforcing traffic laws including Speeding and Driving whilst Impaired. Please drive carefully so as to avoid collisions that will take up the valuable time of our hospital staff who are busy dealing with COVID19 incidents."

Update Missing Person Carlton Lowe Located

Tuesday, April 28,2020

  Update*** The Bermuda Police Service wishes to thank the public for their assistance in locating Mr. Carlton Lowe. He has been reunited with his family.

Advice to Business owners

Wednesday, April 22,2020

With many businesses closed and others operating on reduced hours, there are fewer ‘eyes on the street’ to notice and report suspicious activity to police, said Detective Chief Inspector Arthur Glasford of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS), Serious Crime Department. As such, the BPS urges business owners to consider the following crime prevention tips during this time. Make sure all access points to your premises are properly secured. If you have roller shutters installed at the entrances and windows of your business premises, we suggest that you have them lowered. If you do not have roller shutters installed, in addition to exterior lights, keep the lights on inside so that when the BPS are doing their patrols at night, they can see inside your business. Also, remove anything, like posters, retail display racks and similar, from the windows as to not obstruct the view into your business.

Phishing Scams

Wednesday, April 22,2020

What is phishing? Phishing is when criminals try to convince you to click on links within a scam email or text message, or to give sensitive information away (such as bank details). Once clicked, you may be sent to a dodgy website which could download viruses onto your computer, or steal your passwords.    Tips for spotting signs of phishing Spotting a phishing email is becoming increasingly difficult, and many scams will even trick computer experts. However, there are some common signs to look out for:  

ADVICE TO SENIORS AND CAREGIVERS

Wednesday, April 22,2020

With the onset of the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), our seniors could find themselves at particular risk from dishonest individuals, who may approach them on the premise of offering help, but have other less than honourable intentions. Detective Inspector Karema Flood of the Bermuda Police Service Vulnerable Persons Unit has the following advice, in keeping with best practice in the UK and other jurisdictions, on how seniors can stay safe when getting help from others. If you are getting help from someone, other than a trusted relative/friend, do not give them: • any information about your money • any information about your bank cards • your bank card number or your PIN number • your phone number, address or any of your personal information   If you feel unsure about someone: • Do not engage in conversation with them • Do not let them into your residence • Contact the Police at 911 For those of you with elderly relatives or who may live near an elderly person, we urge you to check in with them as often as possible, preferably by phone or electronically (email, WhatsApp, text message etc.).

Non Emergency Contact Launch

Tuesday, April 14,2020

In order to provide faster and more efficient service to the community, the Bermuda Police Service is implementing a new reporting hotline, “211”. The new “211” number is meant to be used when contacting us for non-emergency situations. These include but are not limited to:  Reporting a crime/issue that does not require an immediate emergency response You need to report a situation/crime but you or someone else are not in immediate danger. You wish to speak with your Parish Constable. You wish to provide information about a crime.  The introduction of the “211” number is also meant to avoid members of the public calling “911” for non-emergency calls. The “911” number will remain in effect, but as is currently the case, it is to be used only in case of an emergency. The BPS has also introduced a new Community Reporting Portal, https://portal.police.bm The BPS Community Reporting Portal is now live and allows the public to report minor crimes or incidents and make police complaints online via a secure efficient and convenient website.

Coughing Incident

Tuesday, April 14,2020

By now, the public is aware of the abhorrent actions of a member of the public which resulted in four members of the Bermuda Police Service having to be quarantined as a precaution to ensure they have not contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). It all stemmed from the arrest of an individual who deliberately coughed on two officers during an arrest for drink driving. The suspect who was also in breach of Shelter in Place Orders, claimed at the time, that he had tested positive for COVID-19.  His claims are yet to be confirmed. Two other officers also became concerned for their safety after the individual sustained an injury as he struggled with them while being processed at the Hamilton Police Station. All four officers have now been placed in quarantine for the next fourteen days. This situation highlights the dangers faced by all frontline workers as we seek to ensure public safety in the face of what is a highly contagious disease.

Southside Police Station was not closed due to COVID-19.

Monday, March 30,2020

The Bermuda Police Service wishes to clarify erroneous information recently published, suggesting the Southside Police Station was closed as a result of a police officer being diagnosed with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)An officer was diagnosed with COVID-19. However, the officer’s last working day with the BPS was on March 11th.That officer then proceeded on a period of leave.The officer did not show symptoms and was not diagnosed with COVID-19, until fifteen days after leaving the service.Resources were shifted at the Southside Police Station and staff from Central Division were brought in.The facility is not manned on a twenty four hour basis and was sanitised during regular hours of closure between the hours of 8:00pm and 8:00am.At no time was the South Side Police Station closed as a result of an officer being diagnosed with COVID-19.

CONFIRMED FIREARMS INCIDENT

Wednesday, March 25,2020

  A thirty-five year old man was taken to hospital with a gunshot wound to his left arm, following a firearms incident in Pembroke Parish. The incident occurred at around 11:00pm on Tuesday 24th March, at the junction of Two Way Deepdale and Parsons Road. The victim was conveyed to the King Edward the Seventh Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment to his injuries which are not considered to be life threatening. Quick action by police officers resulted in a person of interest in connection with this incident being taken into custody. That person is now assisting police with their inquiries. Anyone with information on this latest firearms incident is asked to contact Detective Chief Inspector Arthur Glasford, or Detective Sergeant Jason Smith, of the Serious Crime Unit, on 247-1174 or 247-1128 respectively. Alternatively, persons wishing to provide information anonymously, may do so by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.    

Death of Clarke Fox

Wednesday, March 18,2020

The Bermuda Police can confirm the death of 28 year old Clarke Fox. Mr. Fox succumbed to injuries sustained in a firearms attack shortly before 2:45 pm yesterday, Tuesday March 17th, at the corner of Court and Elliot streets in Pembroke Parish. A Liaison Officer has been assigned to the family. The Bermuda Police Service extends condolences to the family of Mr. Fox. The investigation into this matter is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the main police number on, 295-0011 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 8008477.