Response to Media Queries Re: December 2nd Protest

Thursday, December 15,2016

The below answers in blue are in response to Royal Gazette questions regarding the December 2nd 2016 protest at the House of Assembly. December 14, 2016 Q: Please can the Commissioner say when he first knew that a protest against the airport bill was planned, when he became aware that it would happen on December 2 and when preparations for policing the protest began. A: Information regarding potential protests at the House of Assembly was circulating via social media a few days before the event. Accordingly, the BPS started to make plans at that time for policing the event.

BPS Condolences on Passing of Retired Deputy Commissioner Forbes

Tuesday, December 13,2016

Commissioner of Police Mr. Michael DeSilva has expressed sadness upon learning of the recent passing of Mr. Alex Forbes, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police. Mr. Forbes joined the then Bermuda Police Force in September 1963 from his home of Scotland. He served in the uniform branch during the early part of his career before spending a lengthy tour in the Special Branch.

Child Sexual Abuse Victims Encouraged to Come Forward

Tuesday, December 13,2016

Detective Superintendent Sean Field-Lament reminds the public that the protection of vulnerable persons (in particular child safeguarding) is a Bermuda Police Service priority. “We strongly urge that victims can and should come forward to report incidents of child sexual abuse. As previously stated, there is no time limit to reporting these matters and we have highly trained detectives who work in partnership with other agencies to ensure child safeguarding.

Arrests Made in Connection With DeShaun Berkley Murder

Monday, December 12,2016

Acting Detective Inspector Jason Smith - Approximately 1:15 a.m. on Thursday the 8th day of December 2016, police received several 911 calls reporting that someone had been shot in the parking lot of the Western Stars Sports Club also known as Dandy Town Sports Club on St. John’s Road, Pembroke. Armed police officers responded and discovered the lifeless body of DeShaun Jerry Berkley lying on the ground. E.M.S. personnel attended and conveyed DeShaun to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Child Sexual Abuse Allegations Regarding Local Football

Friday, December 09,2016

The Bermuda Police Service is aware, as reported in the media, of emerging allegations of football players being victims of child sexual abuse in Bermuda – similar to the recent English football child sexual abuse cases. Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sean Field-Lament wishes to remind the public that the protection of vulnerable persons is one of the strategic priorities of the Bermuda Police Service.

Second Annual ‘Give A Child A Christmas’ Initiative

Thursday, December 08,2016

Sergeant Sharnita Tankard - Good morning all. Last year ‘B’ Watch Central decided that they would start an initiative called "Give A Child A Christmas." This idea came about as a direct consequence of the prevailing economic times as we are acutely aware that some families find it difficult during the holiday season to provide the necessities while also ensuring that their child or children have at least one gift to open on Christmas Day. So, we identified a school in the central area and liaised with the relevant guidance counselor (in this case Ms. Hollis) to nominate two students deemed fit to be recipients of the program.

Witness Appeal: Alleged Unruly WestJet Passenger

Thursday, December 08,2016

Witnesses to an alleged unruly passenger on a Sunday, December 4th WestJet flight from Toronto Canada to Bermuda are encouraged to come forward. In particular, police are appealing for anyone that may have heard or observed anything in the area of seat 20 during the flight. Passengers that can assist with enquiries should contact Constable David Abraham or Constable Ian Moe on 295-0011 or directly on 717-0028.

Murder of DeShaun Berkley

Thursday, December 08,2016

The Bermuda Police Service can confirm the death of 30 year old DeShaun Jerry Berkley. DeShaun was shot around 1:20am Thursday at the Western Stars Sports Club and his death is being treated as a murder investigation. The Bermuda Police Service is aware that there was a party being held at the club last night and several persons were in attendance.

Fatal Shooting at Western Stars Sports Club

Thursday, December 08,2016

Around 1:20am on Thursday, December 8th ‎police officers responded to a report of gunshots on St. John's Road in Pembroke near the Western Stars Sports Club. Details are limited at this time. However, it appears that a‎ 30 year old Devonshire man was shot.

2016 Christmas Safety Advisory

Wednesday, December 07,2016

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sean Field-Lament – The Bermuda Police Service recognizes that during the weeks leading up to Christmas with the increase in commercial activity there tends to be an increase in associated criminal activity. I wish to reassure the public that there will be police officers, both in high visibility uniform and plain clothes, patrolling the City of Hamilton, as well as various other locations engaging with shoppers, retailers and motorists to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the festivities in a peaceful and safe environment.

Investigation: Social Media Threats to Premier

Saturday, December 03,2016

Police are aware of the social media threats to the Premier and his family and have commenced an investigation into the matter. Additionally, the offensive posting has been brought to the attention of the service provider for review. Anyone with any information that might assist police in identifying the original poster is encouraged to contact police on 295-0011 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477.

Commissioner’s Statement Regarding House of Assembly Protest

Friday, December 02,2016

Commissioner of Police Michael A. DeSilva - This morning a group of persons gathered around the House of Assembly and commenced a protest. Police officers, who were already on scene monitoring the situation, advised those involved that action may be taken if they did not follow lawful instructions. Likewise, the police spoke with protest organizers to underscore the importance of a lawful, peaceful protest. Throughout the morning, in an effort to allow the opening of the House of Assembly, officers engaged with protestors warning them to desist from obstructing the entrances.

BPS Hosts Crime Stoppers Bermuda 20th Anniversary Book Donation

Thursday, December 01,2016

Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva - It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to Hamilton Police Station on this occasion, to recognize the 20th anniversary of Crime Stoppers Bermuda. In celebration of their 20 year contribution to bringing offenders to justice, the BPS joins with Crime Stoppers Bermuda to present 8 librarians from our local schools and academic institutions with copies of our BPS books.

Reported Two Motorcycle Collision on South Road in Paget [Updated]

Friday, November 25,2016

Around 6:50pm on Friday, November 25th police and first responders were dispatched to a reported two vehicle collision on South Road in Paget, near the junction with Honey Hill. Details are limited at this time. However it appears that two motorcycles were involved, with both male riders being injured and taken to hospital via ambulance for treatment.

Reported Attempted Armed Robbery at Arnold’s Express

Thursday, November 24,2016

Around 9:40pm on Wednesday, November 23rd police officers were dispatched to a reported attempted armed robbery at Arnold’s Express on Front Street in the City of Hamilton. Initial information suggests that two unknown men entered the store, one brandishing what appeared to be a firearm, demanding money. However, both suspects left the premises a short time later empty handed.

Traffic Advisory for MarketPlace Santa Claus Parade

Wednesday, November 23,2016

The MarketPlace Santa Claus Parade is scheduled to take place in the City of Hamilton on Sunday, November 27th starting at 5pm. The following traffic advisories and parking restrictions will be in effect for the event. From 3pm until the end of the parade Par-La-Ville Road between Front Street and Serpentine Road will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Letter to the Bermuda Football Association Re: Police Field

Tuesday, November 22,2016

On Tuesday, November 8th 2016 following a meeting with Mr. David Sabir of the Bermuda Football Association, Acting Deputy Commissioner Martin Weekes wrote the below copied letter to Mr. Sabir, for distribution to the various football clubs. Dear Mr. Sabir I write to you formally to consolidate the messages that have been delivered in recent weeks by a number of our officers including Assistant Commissioner of Police Daniels, Superintendent Howard, Inspector Devine and Sergeant Raynor on the topic of team members who have been identified as being involved in gangs and/or criminal activity.

Forfeiture of Monies Suspected of Being Criminal Proceeds

Tuesday, November 22,2016

On Tuesday 22nd November, 2016 the Supreme Court ordered the forfeiture of $826,000 seized from a local hotel in March 2015. In a targeted operation, Bermuda Police Officers entered a hotel room to discover the cash secreted in a safe. The Attorney General’s Chambers, represented by Deputy Solicitor General Shakira Dill Francois, and the Bermuda Police Service, utilized civil powers under the ‘Proceeds of Crime Act’ to restrain, and ultimately recover the monies that had been destined to be taken out of the island as suspected criminal proceeds.

Reported Missing Person: Kelli Sue Miller [Located]

Sunday, November 13,2016

The Bermuda Police Service is appealing for the public’s assistance in locating 46 year old Kelli Sue Miller. Ms. Miller is described as Caucasian, 5 feet 2 inches tall weighing approximately 130 pounds, with long straight dark brown hair and brown eyes. She was apparently last seen around 1:15pm Saturday, November 12th in the Cockburn Road, Sandys parish area wearing a long grey maxi dress with a fleece jacket and black Nike flip flops. There is concern for the wellbeing of Ms. Miller, who is known to frequent St. George’s and usually travels on foot. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 46 year old Kelli Sue Miller should contact the main police telephone number 295-0011 at the earliest opportunity.

Response to Media Query Re: Release of John Malcolm White

Thursday, November 10,2016

The below statement is in response to a media query received from the Royal Gazette. “Matters concerning the public notification of registered sex offenders are the remit of the Minister of Justice who is empowered under the Criminal Code Act 1907 to make disclosures under specific circumstances. The BPS can confirm that it works closely with the Attorney General, the Department of Corrections and others to monitor offenders – ensuring their compliance with the requirements to be registered and more generally to ensure that the list of sex offenders is properly maintained.”