Acting Commissioner of Police Mike Jackman - The Bermuda Police Service is an apolitical organization that is governed by very clear obligations and responsibilities laid down by the Bermuda Constitutional Order and the Police Act 1974. Political wishes do not feature in our decisions and I wish to assure everyone that this particular case was not directed by any political imperative.

We have already made a statement about preliminary enquiries into the business activities at some betting shops in relation to lottery tickets. Those enquiries are not limited to one shop. To date, officers from the Central Community Action Team have visited four betting shops in Hamilton to check compliance with Section 2 of The Lotteries Act 1944. Those findings have been communicated to the DPP and the Bermuda Police Service is taking legal advice on whether or not any offences have been disclosed at any of the businesses.

I also acknowledge that Senator Daniels was searched by our officers. This resulted from an error in judgement by a supervisor and not as a result of a directive from senior officers. The officer has apologized to Senator Daniels and this was followed up by a senior officer who apologized on behalf of the Bermuda Police Service.