A total of 12 police officers, including two from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) Crime Task Force, successfully completed a rigorous two-week Expert Witness in Drug Trafficking course, at the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) Training School in Prospect, Devonshire. The training was delivered by Mr. Ian Broughton and Mr. Chris Greene of Expert Witness Services, UK.

Participants received comprehensive training on the roles and responsibilities of an expert witness, with a strong emphasis on the Cresswell Principles (Ikarian Reefer), as well as relevant case law.

In addition to gaining expert knowledge on the illicit drug trade and related commodities, the 12 officers were introduced to expert witness report writing, the handling of exhibits, and the principles of disclosure.

Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph, of the BPS Specialist Investigations Department, highlighted: “This course demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the BPS to professionalise investigations, build specialist policing capacity and work collaboratively with other jurisdictions.

Furthermore, the recently completed training has significantly enhanced the capability of the BPS in managing drug trafficking cases, while emphasising adherence to legal standards and best practices.”

Group photo of the officers that completed this course, along with the course instructors and members of the BPS Senior Leadership Team.