Wed, 2007-07-04

Further to my public statement on June 21, 2007 I would like to inform the public that in conjunction with the investigation the Bermuda Police Service has launched into the theft of Police files, the Service has commenced legal proceedings in the Supreme Court of Bermuda in which I sought to establish the principle that confidential Police investigations should be protected from unauthorized disclosure.

The legal proceedings are designated solely to protect the integrity of the policing process and the principles that support the rule of law.

I believe so strongly in these principles that I am taking this matter to the Privy Council.

With specific regard to the current stolen document investigation I wish to assure the public that we are aggressively investigating this matter to ensure that the public retain their confidence in the Bermuda Police Service.

To reassure the public that I retain independence from outside influence in operational Police matters I have specifically included within the Kent Police review team’s terms of reference a requirement to report on “the integrity and independence from outside influence of the inquiry.” The review team led by Chief Superintendent Steve Harris assisted by Mr. David Stevens from Kent Police has arrived on the island and is currently undertaking that review as requested.

At this time I would like to take this opportunity to address other relevant issues that affect the community and the way it is policed. Firstly, in the July 4th edition of the Bermuda Sun there were comments attributed to Pembroke South East MP Ashfield DeVent. Comments that were of particular concern were: “What we have is a colonial Police force that sees its job as protecting the colonizer. That is unfortunately the mindset of Police officers.” This statement is untrue and inflammatory and shows a lack of appreciation for the hard work and commitment the members of the Bermuda Police Service show to the community. All our officers are committed to serving the whole community. Much of our efforts are focused on addressing local needs, using resources such as the Community Action Team, Schools Resource Officers and Domestic Violence Officer, just to name a few.

Despite the support of the legislature in passing legislation against bladed weapons and the early successes we saw after its implementation, bladed articles are still a worrying concern, as I see a resurgence in the use of bladed articles and unprovoked attacks on unsuspecting victims resulting in serious injury. This is often complicated by witnesses who refuse to come forward, which allows the perpetrators to walk away unchallenged and not being held accountable for their actions. I believe that at the heart of many of these attacks are the use, sale and distribution of drugs and there are some unscrupulous individuals in Bermuda who are benefiting from drugs and the violence that results. People can no longer stand idly by having knowledge of or witnessing criminal behaviour and failing to assist the Police. Their silence and inaction gives tacit approval to those involved.

• More Press Releases Here