Minister of Labour, Home Affairs & Housing Senator the Hon. Lt. Col. David Burch - I am pleased to announce that the Public Service Commission, acting on the recommendation of the Commissioner of Police, has approved the appointment of Mr. David Mirfield as Assistant Commissioner of Police (Serious Crime), with effect from Sunday 4th July. He will be appointed for a period of two years during which time he will be tasked with establishing best practices in serious crime investigations, particularly in the areas of gang suppression and violence reduction. Some fifteen (15) applications were received when the post was advertised earlier this year, and Mr. Mirfield was invited to Bermuda in March for an interview with the Commissioner and his senior staff. Mr. Mirfield edged out two other short-listed candidates by providing evidence of recent operational experience and investigative successes.

Mr. Mirfield retired in April as a Chief Superintendent from the West Midlands Police having served with them for 35 years. He has a long and distinguished investigative career that includes serving as a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and then Crime Manager for serious crimes. He spent the last four years in charge of the West Midlands’ Criminal Investigative Division with responsibility for all major crime including: gangs, murder, kidnap and child abuse. Additionally, he commanded surveillance operations, economic crime and forensic services. He is a qualified commander for kidnap, counter terrorism, firearms and public order operations. Mr. Mirfield holds a Law Degree (LLB Hons) from Coventry University, and a Diploma in Criminal Justice. He is a trainer for West Midlands Police and the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) in murder investigations and witness protection.

Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva - Mr. Mirfield will take up his post after a swearing-in ceremony on Monday 5th July at Police Headquarters. His remit as Commander of Serious Crime includes the investigation of murders and attempted murders; gang criminality; police firearms operations and public disorder. Additionally, he will be in charge of the Intelligence Division as well as specialist investigations in the areas of drugs; firearms; financial crime and crimes against vulnerable persons, including children.

Assistant Commissioner Mr. Paul Wright will be transferred to the Operations side of the police service. Mr. Wright has held the Serious Crime post for the last 14 months, and has spent the last decade serving in the Criminal and Intelligence Divisions of the Service. He will now command the Community Policing Division which includes the uniformed patrols, criminal investigation units and the Community Action Teams at the Island’s three police stations. Additionally, he will be in charge of all support services including: marine and roads policing, court services, police communications, training, administration and the forensic examination unit.