Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Wright - The murder of Kumi Harford in the early morning of Saturday 5 December 2009 as he was driving home represents the 23rd confirmed incident involving firearms so far this year. Gun violence in Bermuda has resulted in 14 people being injured so far this year, tragically two of them suffering fatal wounds.

Mr. Harford is the latest victim of the escalation of violence which appears to be gang related. But gun crime statistics and concerns about whether or not it is all the result of inter-gang violence do not adequately convey the human tragedy and the impact that the callous actions of a few violent offenders have on the community as a whole. Mr. Harford was a young man cut down in the prime of his life. He was a husband, a father, a son, a brother and a friend to his family and loved ones.

The escalation of gun crime reduces the safety of our community and raises the fear of crime. We are confronted by a small number of violent criminals who are determined to attack each other with an absolute disregard for the safety of others that might be placed in danger. The top priority for the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) remains catching and convicting the persons responsible and reducing the violence.

We have assured His Excellency the Governor and our Minister that the Bermuda Police Service has well trained and experienced investigators working flat out – assisted by forensics experts from overseas - to bring the offenders to justice.

From an operational perspective there is a significant Police presence in the neighborhoods where there is a potential for inter-gang violence – including St. Monica’s. Police are focusing efforts on those Prolific Priority Offenders who present the greatest threat to themselves and their communities.

I have previously stated that the Police are using lawful powers of search but we are very concerned that Police will be confronted by armed persons who might place themselves and others in danger by their actions.

Use the Bermuda Police Service and use Crime Stoppers (800-8477) to play your part in denying the criminal few their view that they can do whatever they want.

Superintendent Antoine Daniels - The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 30 year old Kumi Harford of Pembroke Parish. Mr. Harford was shot and killed in the St. Monica's Road area of Pembroke around 5am Saturday.

The next of kin have now been notified. The Bermuda Police Service wishes to again extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Harford.

The investigation into the fatal shooting is ongoing. There are two investigation teams under the leadership of Acting Detective Chief Inspector Michael Redfern and Detective Inspector Calvin Smith.

Currently there are no persons in police custody, but the investigation teams are following up on a number of lines of enquiry.

Local investigators are currently being assisted by a crime scene examiner and a forensic pathologist both from the USA .

Police would like to thank those individuals who have come forward so far and provided information and are making a further appeal to anyone who has any information about this incident to contact investigators.

In particular, investigators are interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen the victim Mr. Harford on Friday night.

Police are asking anyone with any information to contact Acting Chief Inspector Michael Redfern or Detective Inspector Calvin Smith on 295-0011.

Alternatively anyone with information can call the confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline on 800-8477 or visit the Crime Stoppers Bermuda website at www.crimestoppers.bm.

There continues to be a high profile Police presence in the area with the Police Mobile Command Unit stationed at the scene and Community Action Team officers conducting house to house and other relevant inquiries as directed by investigators.

2009 Firearm Reports

During 2009 to date, there were a total of 58 recorded incidents involving firearms. Of these reports 23 have been confirmed either by the recovery of bullets (6), recovery of firearms (4), physical injury or damage (13), and arrests with the recovery of firearms (2). There were 35 unconfirmed reports including gunshots heard (8), claims of firearms seen (24) and the report of future violence using a firearm (3).

Police Activity Friday, December 4th evening - Saturday, December 5th morning

Police proactivity that night accounted for one 315f authorization in effect, 10 arrests made for drugs, robbery, assault police, threatening to shoot police, warrants and robbery. There were also 41 stop searches made – including at St. Monica’s Road.

Strategic Approach

The Operation Safer Streets (OSS) initiative that has run for most of 2009 has resulted in greater police presence in hot-spot areas and a sharp focus on Prolific Priority Offenders. Visibly effective policing actions have resulted in record setting arrests – up almost 60% over last year, drug enforcement activity – up nearly 40%, reducing serious assaults by 28% and declines in anti-social behaviour. The Bermuda Police Service re-organized to move existing resources within the organization to enable Operation Safer Streets to become a permanent policing plan.

Despite the apparent success we have invited the FBI Safe Streets Gang Unit to review our plans and other gang analysis products from our Intelligence Division with a view to making improvements wherever possible. The FBI will also soon travel to Bermuda to conduct training workshops. We are also planning overseas attachments for some of our officers to gain exposure to specific operational tactics. We will also take the opportunity to learn from the U.K. experience where the Prolific Priority Offender approach was first conceived.

Forensic support officers are also enhancing their training for shooting scene investigations – also provided by the FBI.