Press Releases
BPS Role in Current COVID-19 Curfew Enforcement
Fri, 2021-09-17
With the announcement of a 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. curfew as part of the PUBLIC HEALTH (COVID-19 EMERGENCY POWERS) (PHASED RE-OPENING) AMENDMENT
(NO. 7) REGULATIONS 2021, Na’imah Astwood, the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations - said, “Our aim is to ensure compliance, as we endeavour to work alongside our community to prevent any further spread of the COVID-19 virus and its highly contagious Delta Variant which is now playing havoc with our healthcare system.”
Unless exempted or in case of an emergency, persons are not allowed to be away from their home or accommodation during the hours of 12.30am to 5am.
Under the new Regulations, an enforcement officer may stop any person to determine whether they are in compliance with or, exempt from the night time curfew.
If a person is found to be in contravention of the curfew regulations, “breaking curfew”, an enforcement officer may at any time:
Read MoreUnresponsive Male Found on Blue Hole Hill, Hamilton Parish [Updated]
Thu, 2021-09-16
At 2:20 a.m. today, Thursday 16th September, 2021, police received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive male lying in the eastbound lane of Blue Hole Hill, just east of the Swizzle Inn Restaurant, Hamilton Parish.
Reminder: Non-Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images is an Offence
Mon, 2021-09-13
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is aware of videos and images being circulated on social media showing intimate encounters between locals and advises members of the public that the non-consensual sharing of intimate images is an offence.
Residents are reminded that the Criminal Code Amendment (Non-Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Act 2021 became law on 15th June this year and under the Act, persons convicted of relevant offences can receive up to five years in prison.
Therefore, should any member of the public receive such content, it is strongly recommended that they delete it and not share it.
It should also be noted that circulating such content could additionally constitute an offence under the Telecommunications Act 1986 – with the punishment, on summary conviction, listed as one year in prison or a fine of $2,000 – or both.
Confirmation of Death: 41-Yr-Old Orlando Burch
Mon, 2021-09-13
The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 41-year-old Orlando Burch of Warwick Parish, Bermuda’s 9th road fatality of the year.
Mr. Burch passed away following a serious road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a public bus, on Somerset Road near Scaur Lane, Sandys around 4:25pm on Thursday. 9th September, 2021.
The Bermuda Police Service extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Burch.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Mr. Burch was traveling in an easterly direction on his motorcycle, when he collided with a bus travelling in the opposite direction.
The investigation regarding the circumstances of this road fatality continues.
The Bermuda Police Service continues to appeal for witnesses to, or prior to, this collision to contact Constable Ward of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or alternatively 211.
9th Road Traffic Fatality for 2021 [Updated]
Fri, 2021-09-10
Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the ninth road fatality for 2021. The victim, a 41-year-old local man, was rushed to hospital via ambulance after being involved in a collision with a bus on Somerset Road near Scaur Lane, Sandys around 4:25pm on Thursday, 9th September. Despite life-saving efforts, he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Official identification of the deceased is anticipated in due course and a BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to his loved ones at this difficult time.
Traffic was diverted for approximately three hours while the scene was processed.
We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision, in particular, several passengers who were travelling on the bus involved, to contact Constable Ward of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or 211.
The BPS is also aware of several graphic images of the victim from this tragic incident circulating on social media. These images can be extremely insensitive to the loved ones of victims and we ask that members of the public consider the impact that these images have on others before posting them to social media.
Update: Monday, 13th September - The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 41-year-old Orlando Burch of Warwick Parish, Bermuda’s 9th road fatality of the year.
Mr. Burch passed away following a serious road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a public bus, on Somerset Road near Scaur Lane, Sandys around 4:25pm on Thursday. 9th September, 2021.
The Bermuda Police Service extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Burch.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Mr. Burch was traveling in an easterly direction on his motorcycle, when he collided with a bus travelling in the opposite direction.
The investigation regarding the circumstances of this road fatality continues.
The Bermuda Police Service continues to appeal for witnesses to, or prior to, this collision to contact Constable Ward of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or alternatively 211.
Serious Collision Scaur Hill Sandys [Updated]
Thu, 2021-09-09
Around 4:25pm on Thursday 9th September, 2021, police and first responders were dispatched to a report of a serious two vehicle collision which occurred on Somerset Road at the junction with Scaur Lane, Sandys, involving a bus and a motorcycle.
Initial information suggests the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when they were involved in a collision.
The motorcycle rider was conveyed to KEMH with what are described as very serious injuries. The bus driver is not reported to be injured.
Police are diverting traffic along the Railway Trail between Sound View Road and Lantana Road using a one way system. We are asking the motoring public to be patient while the scene is being processed, as this is expected to take some time.
Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to call 211 at the earliest opportunity.
Update: Friday, 10th September - Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the ninth road fatality for 2021. The victim, a 41-year-old local man, was rushed to hospital via ambulance after being involved in a collision with a bus on Somerset Road near Scaur Lane, Sandys around 4:25pm on Thursday, 9th September. Despite life-saving efforts, he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Official identification of the deceased is anticipated in due course and a BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to his loved ones at this difficult time.
Traffic was diverted for approximately three hours while the scene was processed.
We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision, in particular, several passengers who were travelling on the bus involved, to contact Constable Ward of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or 211.
The BPS is also aware of several graphic images of the victim from this tragic incident circulating on social media. These images can be extremely insensitive to the loved ones of victims and we ask that members of the public consider the impact that these images have on others before posting them to social media.
Update: Monday, 13th September - The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 41-year-old Orlando Burch of Warwick Parish, Bermuda’s 9th road fatality of the year.
Mr. Burch passed away following a serious road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a public bus, on Somerset Road near Scaur Lane, Sandys around 4:25pm on Thursday. 9th September, 2021.
The Bermuda Police Service extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Burch.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Mr. Burch was traveling in an easterly direction on his motorcycle, when he collided with a bus travelling in the opposite direction.
The investigation regarding the circumstances of this road fatality continues.
The Bermuda Police Service continues to appeal for witnesses to, or prior to, this collision to contact Constable Ward of the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788 or alternatively 211.
BPS Criminal Records Office & Vetting Office Temporarily Closed [Walk-Ins]
Thu, 2021-09-09
In light of the current increase in positive COVID-19 cases, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) advises the public that the Criminal Records/Vetting Office is closed to ‘walk-in’ customers until further notice.
Members of the public in need of a ‘Criminal Record Check’ may still apply online.
To do so, please scan and e-mail the following documents to: vetting@bps.bm.
1: Fully completed application form (SF39).
2: Prescribed supporting documentation.
3: Proof of payment.
Before submitting these documents, please refer to the application GUIDANCE NOTES link.
For further assistance, please contact our office at 247-1750.
Documents you requested will be emailed to the email address provided in your application as well as mailed to your stated physical address. Please expect there may be some delays given the current circumstances.
We appreciate your kind patience until our normal office operations resume.
Significant Drugs Seizure
Wed, 2021-09-08
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), can confirm that significant quantities of illegal narcotics were seized during a recent exercise in the east end of the island.
The narcotics seized included cannabis, crack cocaine, powder cocaine and heroin.
These items had an estimated street value in excess of half a million dollars.
A suspect has been arrested in connection with this seizure
That suspect has been released on police bail and is expected to appear before the courts in due course.
Detective Chief Inspector, Sherwin Joseph of the Special Investigations Department, said, “This seizure has prevented these drugs from being sold on the
street and jeopardizing the safety and well-being of our community.
It’s no secret the proceeds of drugs sales are used to further criminal activity through the funding of, among other things, the purchasing of illegal firearms and ammunition.
We commend the officers involved for their diligence in effecting this seizure and remind the public that they can assist us in putting an end to criminal activity by calling 211 and providing information.
You may also use the BPS community reporting portal - https://portal.police.bm.
Of course you may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.
Let’s continue to work together to make Bermuda safer.”
The BPS Drugs Unit is continuing investigations into this matter.
No further information will be provided at this time.
Residents Reminded of Relevant BPS COVID-19 Protocols
Wed, 2021-09-08
In light of the recent uptick in positive COVID-19 cases, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) advises the public to avoid visiting police stations to make reports unless absolutely necessary.
Exceptions include victims of abuse attending a police station to make a report or receive assistance and individuals on bail – who are still required to report to a police station as specified in their bail conditions.
In all other cases, residents are encouraged to call 211 or use the BPS community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm – keeping 911 for emergency calls only.
If you must make an in person report at a police station, we urge you to please observe proper safety practices in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines.
Eighth Road Fatality for 2021: Flavio Goncalves
Mon, 2021-09-06
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 35-year-old Flavio Goncalves, Bermuda’s eighth road fatality for 2021, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Goncalves was one of two motorcyclists involved in a serious collision with a car, which occurred on Middle Road in Devonshire near the junction with Mayflower Drive, around 10:50am Friday, 3rd September.
Despite lifesaving efforts at the scene, which continued as the Smith’s parish resident was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, Mr. Goncalves succumbed to his injuries in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit later Friday afternoon.
A BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to his loved ones at this difficult time.
It has since been confirmed that the other motorcyclist involved in this collision, said to be a 27-year-old Warwick man, was treated at the hospital for his injuries and later discharged.
In addition, the car driver involved, said to be a 57-year-old Sandys parish man, was not hurt.
Constable DeForest Evans of the Roads Policing Unit is investigating this latest road fatality and any witnesses that have not already come forward are urged to call 717-0860, 211 or e-mail devans@bps.bm.
