Press Releases
Operation Limelight: Firearm, Ammunition & Drugs Seized, Man Arrested
Mon, 2022-12-19
A firearm was last week taken off the street by officers as the Bermuda Police Service launched an operation dubbed, “Operation Limelight.”
Officers executed warrants at a number of locations, mainly in the Pembroke Parish area.
Apart from the firearm, several rounds of ammunition, as well as a quantity of illegal drugs with an estimated street value of two thousand dollars were seized.
One suspect, a 41-year-old male, was arrested in connection with this seizure.
The suspect has since been released on police bail.
The operation included officers from the Narcotics Division assisted by their colleagues from the Tactical Support Division.
Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell, who led the operation, stated: “This was an intelligence led initiative which has resulted in one more firearm being taken out of the hands of individuals, intent on causing harm to others, resulting in disquiet among the community. More importantly, this successful result is a reflection of what can be achieved when the community and police work together.”
All items seized have now been sent for forensic testing.
No further information will be given at this time.
We once again urge members of the public with information on criminal activity of any sort, to please contact us via the usual means.
You may call the non-emergency reporting line 211, the main police number 295-0011 or, Crime Stoppers, on 800-8477.
Of course you may also contact a police officer you’re comfortable speaking with.
Let’s continue to come together to make Bermuda safer.
Read MoreCommissioner Simons: PC Sean Simons Dismissed With Immediate Effect
Sat, 2022-12-17
Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons - "The Bermuda Police Service can confirm that with immediate effect, PC Sean Simons was dismissed. This followed his guilty plea for intruding on the privacy of a female and an internal review process.
While the dismissal of a colleague is always difficult, members of the Bermuda Police Service must at all times act in accordance with our Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional behaviour.
Where that standard is not met, the matter is reviewed and appropriate action is taken.
As Commissioner of Police, I can say without reservation, that overwhelmingly, the women and men who make up your Police Service, continually strive to serve with the highest standards of integrity in their efforts to make our community safer for all."
Inquiries Underway After Reported Robbery of 15-Year-Old Boy at Knife Point
Thu, 2022-12-15
A fifteen-year-old male was reportedly robbed at knife point of a quantity of cash, just before 3:30 p.m. yesterday, Wednesday 14th December, 2022.
The incident occurred shortly after the teenaged boy got off a bus and made his way along Clyde Best Lane, Sandys.
Three males, all said to have been wearing dark clothing with ski masks on, reportedly approached the teenager. One of them allegedly pulled out a small knife, held it against the victim’s upper body and demanded money.
The young man complied and the suspects then left the area on foot. The teen was not hurt.
Although they were fully covered the victim could see that two of the males were dark skinned and one was light skinned.
An investigation into this matter has commenced and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Inspector, Clifford Roberts of Criminal Investigations Unit/ Special Investigations, on 717-0590 or, via e-mail croberts2@bps.bm.
Nearby residents and businesses with CCTV cameras, are asked to check their recordings from between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., and get in contact with us should they see any suspicious activity around that time period.
Injured 63-Year-Old Female Motorcyclist Now Recovering on General Ward
Thu, 2022-12-15
The sixty-three-year old woman involved in a serious road traffic collision yesterday, Wednesday, 14th December, 2022, is being moved to a general ward at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, having received treatment for her injuries which were considered life threatening.
She sustained a laceration to the head as well as injuries to her ribs and collarbone.
The single vehicle collision which involved a motorcycle, occurred shortly before 7:00 a.m. near the junction of Pitts Bay Road and Rosemont Avenue.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing.
Any eyewitnesses or, persons with information is asked to contact Acting Police Sergeant, Justin Hunt on the main police number 295-0011, the non-emergency reporting number 211 or, via email, jhunt@bps.bm.
Tenth Road Fatality of 2022: 24-Year-Old Romario Simons
Wed, 2022-12-14
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 24-year-old Romario Simons, Bermuda’s tenth road fatality of 2022, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Simons was seriously injured when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a sport utility vehicle (SUV) on Middle Road in Sandys parish, near the junction with Overplus Lane, around 6pm Tuesday, 13th December 2022.
Despite receiving treatment from EMTs at the scene and being rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, where lifesaving efforts continued, Mr. Simons was later pronounced dead.
A BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to his loved ones and the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) is investigating the circumstances of this latest road fatality.
Any witnesses that have not already come forward, or members of the public with relevant information, are encouraged to contact Constable Jason Ming at the RPU office on 247-1788, directly on 717-0862 or via e-mail jming@bps.bm as soon as possible.
63-Year-Old Woman Seriously Hurt After Motorcycle Crash in Pembroke [Updated]
Wed, 2022-12-14
Shortly before 7:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, December 14th, 2022, police received a report of a single vehicle collision involving a motorcycle at the junction of Pitts Bay Road and Rosemont Avenue, Pembroke.
It appears a 63-year-old female motorcycle rider collided with a feral chicken and came off the bike.
She was attended to at the scene by EMTs who transported her by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment for her injuries which are considered life threatening.
Traffic was diverted away from the area while the scene of the collision was processed by Traffic Collision Investigators along with Forensic Officers.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Acting Sergeant Justin Hunt on the non-emergency reporting number, 211 or, via e-mail, jhunt@bps.bm.
Update: Thursday, 15th December - The sixty-three-year old woman involved in a serious road traffic collision yesterday, Wednesday, 14th December, 2022, is being moved to a general ward at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, having received treatment for her injuries which were considered life threatening.
She sustained a laceration to the head as well as injuries to her ribs and collarbone.
The single vehicle collision which involved a motorcycle, occurred shortly before 7:00 a.m. near the junction of Pitts Bay Road and Rosemont Avenue.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing.
Any eyewitnesses or, persons with information is asked to contact Acting Police Sergeant, Justin Hunt on the main police number 295-0011, the non-emergency reporting number 211 or, via email, jhunt@bps.bm.
Reported Serious Two Vehicle Collision in Sandys Parish [Updated]
Tue, 2022-12-13
Around 6:00pm Tuesday, 13th December 2022, Police and other first responders were dispatched to a two vehicle collision along Middle Road and the junction with Overplus Lane Sandys, involving a private car and a motorcycle.
Initial information suggests that the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when the male motorcar driver was attempting to negotiate a right hand turn onto Overplus Lane, and the male motorcyclist was attempting to overtake another vehicle when the collision occurred.
The motorcyclist was conveyed to KEMH for treatment of injuries that have only been described as serious. The male motorcar driver received minor abrasions, that did not require medical attention.
Traffic is being diverted through the Railway Trail at Store Lane and Parsonage Lane, using a one way system.
The roads are expected to be closed for about two hours while the scene is being processed.
Witnesses to this collision are being asked to contact Constable Imani Scott on 211 or via e-mail - iscott@bps.bm.
Update: Wednesday, 14th December - Sadly, the island’s road fatality figure, now stands at 10.
A 24-year-old male passed away following a two vehicle collision involving a private car and a bike on Middle Road, near the junction with Overplus Lane, Sandys.
Initial information suggests the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions, when the male motorcar driver attempted a right hand turn onto Overplus Lane.
The male motorcyclist was attempting to overtake another vehicle when the collision occurred.
The motorcyclist was transported by ambulance to KEMH for treatment of his injuries.
Sadly, he did not survive.
Any witnesses or, anyone with information on this incident, is asked to contact Constable Imani Scott on the non-emergency reporting number, 211 or via email, iscott@bps.bm.
Update: Tenth road fatality of 2022: 24-year-old Romario Simons.
Investigation Launched Into Circulation of Inappropriate Images
Mon, 2022-12-12
The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a number of inappropriate altered images of local residents, including minors, being circulated on social media.
The altered images show cropped head shots of individuals, pasted or photo-shopped onto images of different bodies, in various stages of undress.
A report has been made to the Bermuda Police Service and the matter is now under investigation.
We urge that should you receive these images, you immediately delete them from your device and do not forward them on, as sharing them is an offence under the Criminal Code Amendments ( Non-consensual sharing of intimate images) Act 2021.
The Act states: “A person who distributes an intimate image of another person—without the other person’s consent; and in a way that would cause the other person distress reasonably arising in all the circumstances, commits an offence.
A person convicted of an offence is liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years; on conviction on indictment to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years.”
Just think, how would you feel if it were, a relative, a loved one or, close friend of yours depicted in that manner?
Anyone with information on the sharing of these images is asked to call Acting Detective Inspector 709, Sharnita Tankard or Acting Detective Sergeant 2456, Ashun Wolffe on 247-1739 or, via e-mail stankard@bps.bm or awolffe@bps.bm.
You may also call the non-emergency reporting number 211, the main police number 295-0011 or, share the information with a police officer you know.
Renewed Witness Appeal: Union Street Area Stabbing Incident
Mon, 2022-12-12
The Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), is once again appealing for members of the public to come forward with any information they may have on that stabbing incident which occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Friday, 9th December, in the area of Union Street in the City of Hamilton.
You may remember the victim, a 25-year-old male suffered a stab wound to the shoulder area and was transferred to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment to his injuries.
Those injuries were not life-threatening and he has since been released from hospital.
There has been some concern that this incident may have been gang related.
We wish to assure the public that investigations into this matter have confirmed that it is not gang related.
A male suspect is being sought in connection with this stabbing.
He is described as being a white male, 5’ 6” tall, small build with brown hair.
He is known to frequent Queen Street in the City of Hamilton, and is often seen near Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Anyone with information on this matter is asked to contact Detective Constable Patrick Jones on 717-2170 or via e-mail, pjones@bps.bm.
You may also call the non-emergency reporting number 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or, speak with a police officer you know.
Officer Recruitment Initiatives
Fri, 2022-12-09
The BPS is grateful to the Bermuda Government for providing additional funding for these officers as well as new vehicles.
The BPS currently has a strength of 375 officers.
This figure includes the 21 officers who passed out of Training School in June this year.
We are 45 officers below the new establishment level of 420.
We are at this number because of natural attrition, and the inability to recruit new officers during the two years of COVID-19.
Police Commissioner, Darrin Simons stated: “We are actively recruiting to fill thirty-four posts locally. You will be pleased to know that five of these new posts will be added to our community policing team. To that end, there is currently a local recruiting process underway, to attract new members to the Bermuda Police Service. We anticipate a Recruit Foundation Course starting within the next four months. Training of local officers at all ranks remains ongoing. In addition to the several training initiatives put on so far this year, on Monday, 14th November 2022, the BPS commenced a basic investigators training course at Police Headquarters in Prospect, Devonshire. The two-week course, being conducted by BPS Inspector Derrick Golding and BPS Constable Ronald Taylor, comprises 14 BPS officers as well as two HM customs officers.”
Continuous training, including working with associated law enforcement partners, is important and provides tangible benefits, as evidenced by the recent multi-million-dollar drug seizure involving our two agencies.
Commissioner Simons added: “Since 2008, 31 unsolved murders and 127 unsolved attempted murders remain open and under investigation. Our specialist investigators are overwhelmed, dealing with not only these matters, but also other cases involving drugs, fraud, child sexual abuse, as well as other significant acts of criminality. While we have a robust program to develop local investigators, on average, it takes more than seven years before an officer becomes occupationally and operationally competent to be tasked with complex specialist investigations. Demand has simply outstripped the capacity to develop local talent quickly enough.”
In that regard the BPS will be recruiting eight experienced detectives from the Caribbean and the United Kingdom, along with seven experienced accredited Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs).
An injection of experienced detectives is required to successfully investigate the number of outstanding serious cases as well as provide a better environment to grow our local talent. Further, the aim is to reduce significant crime by arresting and convicting those responsible for these offences and most importantly, provide the much needed closure to our families whose loved ones have fallen victim to these crimes.
The Commissioner points out: “Currently there is an insufficient number of accredited Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs). At the current staffing, there are notable operational and logistical challenges that daily need to be overcome to ensure the continuity of service. Sixty AFOs are required to effectively conduct operations and manage the rigorous training required to effectively deliver on one of the most dangerous areas of our service. While we continue to attract and train firearms officers locally, the reality is that there are not enough local officers applying and passing the course to meet our needs. An increase of seven trained firearms officers will alleviate the most critical shortages while we progress local enrolment.”
Advertisements for the eight experienced Investigators will be placed in both the UK and Caribbean countries. In contrast, advertisements for AFOs will only appear in the UK, as Bermuda’s firearms training and accreditation mirror the UK’s Authorised Professional Practice.
Mr. Simons ended: “The 15 overseas officers, will help the BPS address shortages while we focus on enrolling local recruits. I recognise there may be many different perspectives on this news and I hope the information shared provides context for the decision to hire overseas officers.”
