The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a video circulating showing officers effecting an arrest at a location in Pembroke.

The arrest took place after officers responded to reports of a COVID breach where an estimated 30 people were gathered in an enclosed premises, reportedly not wearing masks or practising social distancing.

Upon police arrival, several persons attempted to leave the scene, others were found hiding inside the premises.

One individual became aggressive and when warned about his actions became even more confrontational towards officers who attempted to arrest him.

Because of the subject’s aggressive behaviour, there was a use of force proportional to the situation faced by our officers.

Other party-goers began confronting our officers who moved to disperse them, warning that they too faced being arrested.

Our officers produced their tasers in an effort to get the group to comply.

At no time were tasers deployed, even as the officers were outnumbered and at risk. The video depicts only what happened after the arrest and not what led to it.

We stand by our officers as throughout the entire episode, they acted professionally, in keeping with the dictates of their training and in compliance with proper police protocol.

That notwithstanding, a thorough investigation of the matter is now underway.