Policing for Cup Match Weekend 2013

Thursday, July 25,2013

Superintendent Martin Weekes - The Bermuda Police Service wishes to take this opportunity to advise the public on a number of matters to ensure a peaceful and safe time during this year’s Cup Match holiday weekend. The purpose of this press conference is to flesh out the details of how we will police the Cup Match weekend using high visibility patrols alongside our partner agencies in the Ministry of Public Safety, The Bermuda Reserve Police and the Bermuda Regiment.

Retirement Ceremony for K9 Officer ‘Arras’

Thursday, July 25,2013

Chief Inspector Calvin Smith - Good morning & welcome to Hamilton Police Station. We are here today to retire K9 officer ‘Arras.’ This marks the first time in recent police history that the Bermuda Police Service has undertaken such a venture. It is our belief that our dogs are an integral part of our policing family and thus they should be given a fitting tribute in their retirement.

Recovered Property: Quantity of Jewellery

Tuesday, July 23,2013

The Bermuda Police Service has received and recovered several items of suspected stolen or lost jewellery. Members of the public are invited to view images of this personal property by visiting the official Bermuda Police Service website and selecting the ‘Recovered Property’ link. After reviewing the ‘Recovered Property’ web page, if any individual believes they are the owner of any item(s) of jewellery shown, they should follow the instructions given.

2013 First & Second Quarter Crime Statistics

Wednesday, July 17,2013

Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva – Good afternoon everyone. This report covers the period of 1st January to 30th June 2013. I think the headline could read “Crime Continues to Fall.” The subheading might read “Q2 of 2013 records the lowest crime rate since the year 2000.” Total crime for the second quarter stands at 834 offences and this is the fourth quarter in a row where total crime is less than 1,000. Compared with the first six months of 2012, the same period this year has recorded 415 fewer offences, or a reduction of 19%.      View full crime statistics documents. | View press conference video.

Sudden Death of Infant

Monday, July 15,2013

Around 1pm on Monday, July 15th first responders attended a report of a medical emergency involving a 3 month old infant at a residence in the Happy Valley Road, Pembroke area. The child was conveyed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in a non-responsive state and at 1:30pm was pronounced dead by an on call doctor. No further information will be given until the next of kin has been notified.

Working Together to Improve Driving Behaviour

Thursday, July 11,2013

Bermuda Road Safety Council Chairman Carlton Crockwell – ‘Think, Choose & Live.’ On behalf of the Road Safety Council and its partners, which include the Bermuda Police Service, we take this opportunity to thank you for supporting our campaign ‘Think, Choose & Live.’ As you think, choose and live while you are driving, let’s remember we have had a number of serious and fatal injuries that have reached alarming proportions in January and February 2013. And in response to these injuries, it was decided that a collective action was required to reduce the carnage on our roads.

Ongoing Appeal: Murder of Rudolph Smith

Tuesday, July 09,2013

Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro, Officer in Charge of the Serious Crime Unit - On this day in 2012 Mr. Rudolph (Rudy) Lamar Smith (pictured right) was last seen alive. Over the past year, his family, friends and loved ones have been living with the pain of not knowing what has happened to their son. I would ask each and every member of the public to put themselves in their unimaginable position - especially that of his mother Madeline Rampersad. The investigating team has continued to probe this matter, but the reality is that his family and this community need closure. The Bermuda Police Service remains committed to finding Mr. Smith’s killer or killers. Whilst it is often the police that bring suspects to face justice, this is a case where the community holds the key to solving this matter. Whilst we have gathered certain evidence already, the people in the community will be critical in helping the family get closure.

Sudden Death of Male Kayaker

Thursday, June 27,2013

Around 2:30pm on Thursday, June 27th police and first responders were dispatched to a reported medical emergency at Ferry Reach in St. George’s. It appears that a 61 year old St. George’s man was kayaking in the area before getting out of the kayak and going for a swim. Members of the public in the area then noticed the male was apparently in difficulty and came to his assistance.

Investigation Ongoing: Murder of Verneil Richardson

Wednesday, June 26,2013

Superintendent James Howard - On behalf of the Bermuda Police Service, I wish to convey my sincere condolences to the family and friends of 21 year old Mr. Verneil Richardson who sadly lost his life early this morning.  Mr. Richardson was on the property of the Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club in Hamilton Parish where a function was being held. He was involved in an altercation and stabbed. He eventually succumbed to his injuries. The Bermuda Police Service recognizes the impact this incident will have on this community. I want to reassure you that we are using all the resources at our disposal to bring the offender or offenders to justice.

Body Found Floating Near Agar’s Island

Monday, June 24,2013

Around 5:30pm on Monday, June 24th a kayaker came upon the lifeless body of a male floating in the waters off Agar’s Island near Two Rock Passage. The deceased is believed to be a white male in his 60s. Marine police personnel responded to the scene to recover the body for transport to shore. Death was certified at 7:03pm by an on call physician. The body was then transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where a formal identification process will take place.

Advisory: Residential Burglaries

Friday, June 21,2013

The Bermuda Police Service has noticed a recent increase in residential burglaries. We have come to realize that this could be contributed to the summer season and the need to have ventilation in homes. Thieves are generally opportunists looking for an easy target. The Bermuda Police Service would like to inform the public of common mistakes made by victims and encourage them to secure their property. Some of these mistakes include: leaving windows and doors open for ventilation with just the screens closed, no proper lighting around the house after dusk, not cancelling mail delivery when leaving the Island on vacation.

Senior Youth Development Officer Receives Police Merit Award

Thursday, June 20,2013

On Thursday, June 20th the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Wright attended a farewell luncheon at the Cathedral Hall in honour of Jason Hansford-Smith, Senior Youth Service Development Officer for the Department of Youth Sport and Recreation. Jason is a Bermudian who will be re-locating to Halifax, Nova Scotia with his Canadian wife. On behalf of the Bermuda Police Service, the Assistant Commissioner of Police thanked Jason for working with the Bermuda Police Service to help support Bermuda’s young people and assist the police in developing lasting relationships with them. [Click photo to enlarge].

Missing Juvenile: Trenton Williams [Located]

Wednesday, June 19,2013

The Bermuda Police Service is appealing for the public’s assistance in locating 15 year old Trenton Williams. The teenager is described as 6'2” tall with blonde hair. He was last seen on Saturday, June 15th wearing a white polo shirt, green shorts and slip in shoes. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of 15 year old Trenton Williams is encouraged to contact the Vulnerable Persons Unit on 247-1678 or the main police number 295-0011 at the earliest opportunity.

Reported Serious Collision in Devonshire

Monday, June 17,2013

Around 3:30pm on Monday, June 17th police and first responders attended a reported serious collision on South Road in Devonshire near the junction with Devon Heights Road. It appears that a male motorcyclist collided with a truck. The motorcyclist, believed to be a 19 year old Pembroke man, was apparently seriously injured and taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment. At last check the victim was in critical condition.

Summer Water Safety Advisory

Thursday, June 13,2013

Good morning, I am Inspector Robert Cardwell and I am currently the Officer in Charge of the Marine and Roads Policing Units. I am here today to speak on behalf of the Marine Police Unit. As we are now into the summer months, activities in and around the waters in Bermuda will increase. The Bermuda Police Service is committed to its mission of ‘making Bermuda safer’ and ensuring public safety. In the wake of several marine incidents over the last several weeks it is timely for us to remind the public who take to the waters that they are required to act responsibly and obey all laws that govern safety when taking to the waters.           [Click here for press conference video].

St. George’s Police Station Re-Opens

Thursday, June 06,2013

Chief Inspector Tracy Adams, Eastern Area Commander - The Bermuda Police Service is pleased to announce that the repairs to the St. George’s Police Station have been completed and that officers resumed their normal activities in the station as of Wednesday June 5th 2013. [Click here for video announcement]. Station Duty Officers (SDOs) and officers from the Community Action Team will operate the station from 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00am to midnight on weekends. Additional opening hours will be established during holiday weekends and other busy periods.

Burglary Suspects Arrested in Warwick

Tuesday, June 04,2013

Around 11:30am on Tuesday, June 4th police officers responded to a report of a burglary at a Tribe Road #5 Warwick residence. It appears that a neighbour disturbed two males attempting to enter the premises. The suspects then fled the scene. Initial inquiries suggest that nothing was taken from the home. Officers conducted a search of the surrounding area including Astwood Park and subsequently arrested a 19 year old Paget man as well as a 19 year old Pembroke man in connection with the incident.

Double Murder Investigation Ongoing, Another Arrest Made

Saturday, June 01,2013

The Bermuda Police Service is continuing its investigations into a shooting which occurred at Belvin’s Variety store on Happy Valley Road, Pembroke resulting in the death of Haile Outerbridge and Ricco Furbert on January 23rd 2013. A 24 year old male from Sandys Parish was arrested on Wednesday 29th May by the Serious Crime Unit and is being questioned regarding this matter. No determination as to charge or any further details will be released at this time.

Commissioner Responds to Media Queries: Sexual Harassment in the BPS

Wednesday, May 29,2013

A local media outlet has today asked us some questions about sexual harassment in the Bermuda Police Service. This issue is so important to the Commissioner and Senior Commanders that we are posting our full response to ensure our commitment to dealing firmly with all issues of discrimination is recorded clearly.

Alco-Analyser Machines Back Online

Wednesday, May 29,2013

The Bermuda Police Service reports that the Alco-analyser machines are now back in operation. Technical problems have been resolved at the Government Laboratory that had halted production of the solution needed to calibrate the Alco-analyser machines. The machines were offline for a period of approximately two weeks. As reported, the absence of the machines did not prevent the police from reporting drivers for impaired driving offences and using other evidence to support the charges.