Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Commissioner Frederick. C. B. "Penny" Bean

Monday, February 15,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Commissioner Frederick C. B. “Penny” Bean Commissioner Frederick C. B. “Penny” Bean, joined what was then the Bermuda Police Force in 1956 as a young constable, aged 19.  He rose through the ranks to become our first black Bermudian Commissioner of Police in 1981, a position he held until his retirement on 23 March 1990. During his 34 years of service, Commissioner Bean earned the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service, awarded to him after the Chief Justice commended him for disarming an armed robber. He also earned the Colonial Police Long Service Medal and the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. During his time in the senior leadership of the police, Mr. Bean forged closer ties to the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the Canadian National Police Services. He also established a joint Bermuda Police and HM Customs Drug Importation Squad. Commissioner Bean created the “Police Community Relations” programme and the first Bermuda Police Fraud Squad. He also improved the living quarters for single officers and enhanced our internal communications, by acquiring a sophisticated, secure, multichannel police radio system and Emergency 911 system, held within the combined Operations Centre at Prospect. Upon retirement, Commissioner Bean was named to the Order of the British Empire. At his retirement, Commissioner Bean is quoted as saying “I have enjoyed every moment of it. I have no regrets, and if I had a choice to do it all over again, I would not hesitate. I hope my tour of service will serve as an inspiration to other young Bermudians coming along.”

BPS to Assist TCD With Traffic Checks February 15th & February 16th

Friday, February 12,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), wishes to advise the public that on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th February, 2021, the Transport Control Department (TCD) will be assisted by the BPS, in conducting traffic enforcement initiatives in the eastern and western areas of the island. The areas selected will offer the least disruption to members of the public, whilst maximizing the effectiveness of the operation. The BPS would like to thank the motoring public for their patience as we endeavour to make Bermuda’s roads safer.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Station Duty Officer Linda Bogle-Mienzer

Friday, February 12,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Station Duty Officer Linda Bogle-Mienzer Linda Bogle-Mienzer is a Black Bermudian gay unionist. She joined the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) in June 1996, as a Station Duty Officer (SDO); a role she continues to perform. In addition to her policing duties which includes her mentoring, coaching and training other SDOs, in 2009, Linda became the Chairperson of Division 7 Bermuda Public Service Union (BPSU) and in 2015, she was elected as 2nd Vice President, of the BPSU. Linda’s involvement and love for her community are second to none and she is a key member of the BPS team, an organiser and the host of the popular Bermuda Police Service's Police Week Seniors' Tea event. Linda is also a leader for social change and a long serving member of local community awareness groups CURB and Restorative Justice. Linda’s love for sports is another highlight of her career as in 2008, she Captained Bermuda’s First Female Cricket Team, in Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, held in South Africa. A consummate professional in all of her endeavours, Linda’s contribution as a member of the BPS is commendable.

Reported Firearm Incident in Hamilton Parish

Friday, February 12,2021

The Bermuda Police Service yesterday, Thursday 11th February, 2021, received reports that multiple gunshots were fired at a residence in the Harlem Heights area of Hamilton Parish, around 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday 10th February, 2021. However, a subsequent search of the location where the incident is alleged to have occurred, revealed no forensic evidence to confirm the report. The BPS has heightened patrols in and around Hamilton Parish to provide reassurance to residents of Harlem Heights.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Inspector Milton Marsh

Thursday, February 11,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Inspector Milton Marsh Born in Nevis in 1910, and raised in St. Kitts where his father was a police officer it could be said that young Milton Murray Marsh had law enforcement in his blood but he never thought to join the police at that time. When he was a young man his father came to work in Bermuda in Public Works and Milton decided to visit the Island himself where he met and married a young Bermudian, Miss Gwendolyn Williams, who was the daughter of Det. Sgt. J.J. Williams who worked alongside Bermuda’s first detective “D.O” Simons. Milton decided to stay in Bermuda and in June 1941 he joined the Bermuda Police at which time he was handed a worn out flashlight, a pair of handcuffs and a truncheon, and set off to walk the beat. He was one of several West Indian policemen at that time, and many years later, when asked about his early days as a policeman he commented that because of his West Indian origin people would often refer to him as a “jigger foot”, and he encountered a lot of prejudice. He became a detective working out of Somerset alongside the great Somerset duo of Mike (Cann) and Spike (Hazel), and later in Central CID alongside Vernon Jackson, Edward “Bosun” Swainson and “Chief” Oliver Trott. Whilst in CID he was promoted to Detective Sergeant, and during his career he received seven Commissioner’s Commendations for good work carrying out investigations. It is clear that Milton was a very dedicated and resourceful officer who greatly contributed to the efforts of the BPS in maintaining law and order throughout his service, and particularly whilst in CID. His dedication resulted in Milton being the first officer of West Indian origin to be promoted to Detective Inspector.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Constable Dwayne Leverock

Wednesday, February 10,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Constable Dwayne Leverock. Constable Dwayne Leverock, more popularly known as “Sluggo”, joined the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) as a Cadet in March 1989. He has served in a host of different units within the BPS, including, the Police Task Force, Central Station Jailor, Prosecutions Department, Eastern and Central Patrol Divisions. He is currently posted as a Police Dispatcher in the Operations Centre, Prospect. Constable Leverock is the recipient of Police Long Service Awards, as well as several letters of good work. In addition to a successful policing career, Sluggo has also had an illustrious sporting career. His most recognized sporting feat date being that now world famous “Superman-like catch” in the 2007 Cricket World Cup, to remove Indian opening batsman Robin Uthappa. An avid golfer, Sluggo boasts a 7 handicap. While representing the BPS, in 2017 and 2018, he won his group play matches at the famous Myrtle Beach Golf Club in Florida. Sluggo was also a member of the Bermuda national football team and has represented several top local clubs, including, PHC Zebras, North Village Community Club and the Police team, Prospect United. He has represented the BPS in international soccer tournaments and was a part of the winning team in North American Police Soccer Championships, as well as the US Secret Service “Stop the Violence” Soccer Tournaments held in Washington DC. A standout cricketer, Sluggo played for many years in the Annual Cup Match Classic, representing the Somerset Cricket Club, and remains 11th overall in terms of wickets taken in the classic with an impressive 44 wickets to his name.

Curfew Breach Resulting in Arrest

Wednesday, February 10,2021

Shortly before 12:30 a.m. today, Wednesday 10th February, 2021, members of the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) were assisting with a curfew checkpoint on North Shore Road in Devonshire. Officers observed a motorcycle make a U-turn as the rider neared the checkpoint. RPU units attempted to stop the rider who led them on a high speed chase west along Middle Road in Devonshire and on to Shelton Road in Pembroke, where the rider lost control and came off the bike in the area of First Avenue.

Safer Internet Day 2021

Tuesday, February 09,2021

Think Before You Click. Your digital footprint is a permanent trail you leave the moment you sign onto any online service or social medium. Your digital footprint, by its permanence, can have serious repercussions on your future, both professionally and personally. With February 9th observed as “International Safer Internet Day” Inspector Karema Flood of the Vulnerable Persons Unit (VPU) in conjunction with Cybertips, highlighted two areas of major concern impacting teenagers, cyberbullying and sexting. Before you engage in either activity, take a minute and think before you click.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Deputy Commissioner Roseanda Young (Jones)

Tuesday, February 09,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Deputy Commissioner Roseanda Young (Jones) Roseanda Young joined Bermuda Police Force in May, 1978, as a member of Basic Training Course #23 and graduated having attained the “Baton of Honour” award, which is presented to the best all-round recruit. Throughout her career of spanning thirty years, she worked in several key departments, breaking glass ceilings along the way. She made her mark as the 1st female officer in Cycle Squad; 1st Female Officer in charge of the Community Media Relations; 1st Female to be named 2nd in charge of the Narcotics Division; 1st Female to head up the Intelligence and Special Branch Division; and the 1st Bermudian Female Officer to attend the FBI National Academy where she received her Certificate in Police Management. In addition, and through her training Roseanda created and maintains lifelong relationships with law enforcement agency colleagues from the FBI, DEA, Interpol and Bramshill to name a few. She made history again in December, 2005, when she became Bermuda’s first and only female to be promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police. Mrs. Young remained in that position until her retirement in May, 2008. She is a recipient of Her Majesty the Queen's Certificate and Badge of Honour, Queen’s Long Service and Merit Award, 3 Commissioner’s Commendations and several Letters of Good Work.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Constable Tashun Simons

Monday, February 08,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Constable Tashun Simons Constable Tashun Simons, a young Bermudian joined the Bermuda Police Service in September, 2019, at twenty-five years old. He presently works as a patrol officer in the Community Policing Division at the Hamilton Police Station. In addition to his policing duties, Tashun has been a Referee with the Bermuda Football Association for the past six years and in 2018, became the youngest ever and the first Bermudian Football Official in more than a decade to be named on the FIFA International Referees List. He remains on the FIFA International List and has served as a Referee Assistant at the Concacaf Nations League and Under-17 Championship. In addition, he has assisted at an International friendly between the United States and Venezuela and a host of Olympic Games qualifiers, including Grenada, Cayman Islands and Haiti. In December, 2020, Tashun was further rewarded having been officially named on the FIFA list for International Referees for 2021, as an Assistant Referee.

Traffic Collision, Stalled Bus Divert Officers From Joint BPS TCD Exercise

Monday, February 08,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), was this morning engaged in a joint exercise with the Traffic Control Department (TCD), aimed at getting unlicensed and uninsured vehicles off the road in recognition of significant public concern towards responsible driving and road safety. However, what would normally have been a simple exercise was unexpectedly and significantly compromised by a road traffic collision in Paget resulting in injury to the road user as well as a Department of Public Transportation bus, stalling at the South Roundabout. This combination of events resulted in problematic traffic delays for commuters heading east along South Shore Road, Middle Road and Harbour Road.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Deputy Commissioner William Maurice “Syke” Smith

Friday, February 05,2021

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Deputy Commissioner William Maurice “Syke” Smith. William Maurice Smith, better known as “Syke” Smith was one of the most charismatic and popular members of the Bermuda Police. Born in Pembroke in 1930, Syke attended Central School and Berkeley Institute where he excelled in his studies and was a Lieutenant in the  Berkeley Cadet Corp. He clearly enjoyed wearing a uniform and he joined the Bermuda Police in January 1951 at the age of 21. After a spell in Central Division (Hamilton) he transferred to Operations, and in March 1954 he was again transferred, this time to CID where he went on to be awarded 7 Commissioner’s Commendations for successfully investigating a variety of criminal cases including burglary, rape, breaking & entering, wounding and arson. He spent time in Eastern CID, before moving to Central CID where he was promoted to Sergeant in 1960. The following year he was chosen to attend Bramshill Police College and two years later he was promoted to Inspector and transferred to OIC Eastern CID.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Chaplin Dr. Kevin Santucci

Thursday, February 04,2021

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Chaplin Dr. Kevin Santucci. Chaplain Kevin Santucci joined the Bermuda Police Service in April 2016, as a member of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS), Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team. In January 2017, he became the official Chaplain for the BPS, a role he also performs for the Department of Corrections; and on an as needed basis for the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, Immigration Department, Customs and the Bermuda Red Cross. In 2012, Chaplain Santucci was appointed to serve as the first Chaplain for the City of Hamilton, becoming the first Bermudian to hold this position. In January 2021, Chaplain Santucci was nominated and awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation by Commissioner Corbishley, for his exemplary contribution to the Bermuda Police Service in the role as Service Chaplain and as a member of the Critical Stress Management Team.

Reported Armed Robbery at Game Time in Somerset

Wednesday, February 03,2021

Police are tonight seeking the public’s assistance in locating two suspects who were involved in a robbery at the Somerset branch of Game Time. Shortly before 6:00 p.m. today Tuesday 2nd February, 2021, a female employee at the Somerset branch of Game Time observed via CCTV, two males approaching the main entrance to the business which is located at the corner of Somerset Main Road and Hook and Ladder Lane.

BPS & BFRS Investigate Riddell's Bay Boat Fire

Tuesday, February 02,2021

Around 10:40 p.m. on Monday 1st February, 2021, Police and Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) responded to a report of a boat on fire in the Riddell’s Bay, Warwick area. On arrival, officers found a small white boat engulfed. BFRS attended the location and extinguished the blaze. There were no reports of anyone having been injured and no damage to any other property.

Black History Month Trailblazer: PC Zoenique Williams

Tuesday, February 02,2021

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Constable Zoenique Williams. Zoenique is a Bermudian and mother of her 11-year-old son Andrew, joined the Bermuda Police Service in September 2005. Since joining she has worked in several key Units of the Service and is presently a member of the Narcotics Department. Zoenique also holds the distinction in December 2020, becoming the first female officer of the BPS, to become a member of our Elite and highly trained firearms Emergency Response Team as well as one of the first female Close Protection officers. She is a BPS advance driver and motorcycle rider. In addition to her police duties and specialist training she is a devoted fitness lover and an Elite cyclist. She was the winner in the 2014, Heritage Day Sinclair Packwood Memorial Cycle race and later that year was crowned Bermuda Bicycle Associations Female Rider of the Year. She was also the winner of 2015 Heritage Day Sinclair Packwood Memorial Cycle race, when it first debuted leaving St. George's.

Bermuda Police Service is Celebrating Black History Month

Monday, February 01,2021

Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It is the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans, and since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Bermuda, Canada, Amsterdam and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black History. With February being dedicated as Black History Month; Commissioner Corbishley has directed that the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) will highlight and honour the triumphs of Trailblazing Black Officers throughout BPS history, including some of their artistic, cultural or work achievements. To this end starting on Monday,1 February, 2021, the Bermuda Police Service via our Media Relations Office will be emailing (internally) and posting on all of our social medial sites “brief bios” of the highlights and achievements of some of our past and present black officers. This will be by no means be the only contributions of these and/or other significant roles played by black officers over the history of the Bermuda Police Service. We hope you take the opportunity to look and learn as we write about professional and personal  exploits of our colleagues experiences and the efforts they have made within the BPS, and to the history of Bermuda. Our first Trailblazer is; Superintendent Na’imah Astwood (nee Williams)

Two Cars Reported Stolen [Update: Both Vehicles Were Later Recovered]

Sunday, January 31,2021

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two motor cars which were reported stolen over the weekend. Vehicle 13292, a Kia Picanto motorcar, dark grey in colour with red trim, was reported stolen from the Pond Hill area of Pembroke on Friday night. The owner reported parking the vehicle  on Pond Hill on the side of Parson’s Road Playground at 7:45 p.m. on Friday 29th January, 2021. Upon their return at 9:30 p.m., the car was missing. Vehicle 47475, a Toyota Rav4, silver in color, was parked on Angle Street at the junction with Union Street in Pembroke (outside Fish n’ Tings) at 7:10 p.m. on Saturday 30th January, 2021.  The owner reported having returned at 7:11 p.m. and saw that the vehicle had gone missing.

Stolen Vehicles' Advisory

Tuesday, January 26,2021

In recent weeks, there have been several reports of cars being stolen from locations across the island. Prevention and deterrence are the best advice for all motor vehicle owners to adhere in order to not become a victim of vehicular theft. The Bermuda Police Service advises that you implement, where possible, the following measures to prevent against falling victim to vehicle theft.

Reported Serious Three Vehicle Collision in Sandys Parish

Tuesday, January 26,2021

Around 6:10pm today, Monday 25th January 2021, first responders attend a report of a three vehicle collision, involving a private motorcar, a PTB bus and a motorcycle, along Middle Road near the junction with Fairhaven Lane, Sandys. Early reports indicate that a 25 year  old male motorcyclist, traveling in an easterly direction, attempted to overtake vehicles traveling in the same direction, when he lost control of his cycle and collided with a private car traveling in a westerly direction.