Good day, I am Acting Superintendent Junior Watts and with me is Acting Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell.

The upcoming Good Friday Holiday and the Easter Weekend will see a number of events and festive activities at various locations across the Island. The Bermuda Police Service takes this opportunity to share with the public some information regarding the policing plan for the weekend with the intent to encourage members of the public to partner with police to make these events safe.

During the holiday weekend period there will be a visible police presence as patrols attend the various community events to provide any needed reassurance to the participants of these events. The Police Mobile Command Centre will be deployed at the Victor Scott School in support of various activities planned for that location.

There is a policing plan for the wider Island and Mr. Cardwell will now give us details of that.

Acting Chief Inspector Cardwell - I can reassure Bermuda that a robust policing plan is in place. This plan includes the re-assignment and re-alignment of police resources both armed and unarmed across the Service.

The public can expect to see higher than normal levels of police visibility. We apologise in advance and seek the patience of law-abiding citizens who may get caught up in our pro-active policing initiatives which can be expected around the clock. Our goal is:

• To provide reassurance to the community that we are here and our intention is for the holiday weekend to be safe, peaceful and free of violence or any further loss of life.
• We will prevent and detect crimes
• We expect to deter or arrest those who are hell-bent on participating in retributive acts of violence or violence of any kind
• We will continue to assist current serious crimes investigations.

Anyone who participates in any kind of anti-social activity can expect no sympathy and no warning. You will be arrested. You will be charged and placed before the next available court.

Our success can only be achieved by working together and through the assistance of the community at large. We ask that you be vigilant. If you see something suspicious please call us so that we can mobilise the appropriate response in advance of something happening.

Take note of motorcycle or car numbers that are being used by persons who are acting suspicious. You can contact our direct police line on 295-0011.

Acting Superintendent Watts - In conclusion, we would like to urge the public to work together in the community spirit to make sure that this is a safe weekend.

During this period, we usually get a high number of noise complaints, and we ask that you work together with your neighbours to prevent any disputes and resolve any issues with minimal Police interference. As Mr. Cardwell said, be vigilant, if you see anything suspicious you can call the previous number (295-0011) or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477.

We ask that you keep the roads safe as well. If you’re going to drink, make sure that you have a designated driver. Do not drink and drive. Work with us to make it a safe holiday weekend. Thank you.