Press Releases

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Investigation Into Smith's Parish House Party That Breached COVID-19 Regulations

Tue, 2021-03-02

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is aware of videos being circulated on social media, indicating non-compliance with COVID-19 regulations at a house party in Smith’s Parish.

The BPS is now investigating to establish individuals involved. 

Anyone with information is asked to call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.

We wish to once again remind the public, current COVID-19 regulations stipulate, gatherings are restricted to no more than twenty-five people, masks must be worn during such gatherings and social distancing must be observed.

Vandalism of Drain Grates in the City of Hamilton

Tue, 2021-03-02

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is seeking the assistance of the public in identifying whomever is responsible for the dislodging of a number of drain grates throughout the City of Hamilton.

The incident occurred sometime during the late night hours of Monday 1st March, 2021 and the early hours of Tuesday March 2nd, 2021.

This act of vandalism could have resulted in serious injury to persons or damage to vehicles.

Officers are currently reviewing CCTV images from the areas where the grates were dislodged, with the aim of obtaining evidence that could lead to the identification of any suspects.

Man in Court Charged With Murder of Chavelle Dillon Burgess

Mon, 2021-03-01

Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley - "In May 2020 a report was made to the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) regarding the disappearance of Ms. Chavelle Dillon Burgess. On receipt of this information the BPS commenced a search for Chavelle, the complexity and extent of which has never been seen before in Bermuda.

The BPS concluded that Chavelle had been unlawfully killed and a murder investigation led by the BPS’ Serious Crime Unit has continued for the past 10 months.

The BPS has worked closely with the office of the Director for Public Prosecutions on this investigation. Following a review of evidence in this case Mr. Kamal Worrell was charged with the murder of Chavelle and appeared in Magistrates' Court this morning.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Sergeant Gregory McArthur "Porky" Grimes

Sun, 2021-02-28

Today marks the end of our Black History Month Trailblazer series. We hope you enjoyed getting know who we are and we would like to thank you all for your likes, shares and kind remarks on social media for our past and present trailblazers.

There are many more officers and staff who have achieved great things during their careers with the BPS, however there is no way we can cover them all in one month. With that said, we will continue to showcase our BPS trailblazers throughout the year. 

We will end our BPS Black History Month Trailblazer series with none other than, the late Sergeant Gregory Grimes who tragically lost his life while on duty in December 2016.

Our final Black History Month Trailblazer: Sergeant Gregory McArthur “Porky” Grimes

On 14 December 2016, the Bermuda Police Service and the community were deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that our good friend and colleague Sergeant Gregory Grimes passed away suddenly whilst on duty.

Gregory was an exceptionally popular policeman who always took the time to mentor younger police officers.  We know that many of our present and recently retired members will have fond memories of working with Greg, who in 2009 and 2011, was chosen as “Police Officer of the Year and Sergeant of the Year.”

Black History Month Trailblazer: Sergeant Cerepha Bridgeman

Sat, 2021-02-27

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Sergeant Cerepha Bridgeman

Cerepha Bridgeman, is from the island of Barbados. She joined the Bermuda Police Service in September 2008.

She has worked as a uniform patrol officer and was subsequently transferred to the Community Action Team as a Community Officer. 

Sergeant Bridgeman exemplifies the epitome of a community officer and regularly assist with community oriented tasks, supports her colleagues and other agencies with community outreach and at risk youth and the elderly.

She has received specialized training in various areas and in November 2017, she successfully completed her certifications in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), in addition, she is an instructor in Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.), a volunteer life coach with the MIRRORS Program.

As a result of her outstanding commitment to the Mirrors Program in 2018, she was awarded the Mirrors Silver Award.  Also in 2018, Cerepha was nominated in the ACCP Regional Awards in the category of Top Caribbean Community Policing Officer and placed a respectable second runner up position.

In June 2019, Cerepha was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant and continues to work in the role of Community Officer as her dedication to the community has resulted in her receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award for the Mirrors Programme in July of 2020.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Constable Angela Cox

Sat, 2021-02-27

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Constable Angela Cox

Angela, is a Bermudian officer, married to Dean and the mother of two sons. She joined the Bermuda Police Service, in June 1986. Angela, spent the majority of her career working as a patrol officer at Hamilton Police Station.

She remained there until 1995, when she transferred to the Women’s Police Office where she investigated Juvenile Crimes and all matters involving juveniles. Following that she had a brief period in Criminal Investigation Department, before being transferred to Parish Office where she performed the role of Pembroke Parish Constable; and later appointed as the 1st female Parish Officer for the “City of Hamilton”.

She is presently attached to Police Prosecutions Dept. (Court Liaison Unit) as the Daily Plea Court Officer. In addition to her policing role, Angela previously owned and managed a small clothing boutique in the City of Hamilton. She enjoys cooking and exercising and maintains a healthy and happy lifestyle. 

This year she will be celebrating 34 years of service to the people of Bermuda, and we say thank you for your contribution to “Making Bermuda Safer.”

Black History Month Trailblazer: Brenda Johnson

Sat, 2021-02-27

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Mrs. Brenda Johnson

Mrs. Johnson joined Bermuda Police Service as a civilian member on 8th December 1975. She is the Traffic Records Clerk at Police Headquarters, Prospect. She maintains and keeps immaculate records of all reported traffic collisions in the island of Bermuda. She also held the post of BPS Garage Cost Clerk.

Mrs. Johnson has been employed with BPS for over 45 years, making her the longest serving member (police staff/officer) in the history of the service, having served under the administration of ten Police Commissioners.

In 2019, at the BPS Awards Ceremony, Brenda was awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for her long and distinguished service to the BPS, in addition to a Commissioners Merit Award in 2009.

In addition, Brenda has been married to Mitchel for forty years and has three children Damon, Mechell and Marcus-Alan and six beautiful grandchildren. In her spare time Brenda enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.

We take this time to thank Brenda for her dedication and commitment to the BPS and her service to the people of Bermuda.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Acting Detective Inspector Dorian Astwood

Fri, 2021-02-26

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Acting Detective Inspector Dorian Astwood

Dorian is a Bermudian officer who began his career with the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) in January 1993. He has been selected and posted in several key positions; in addition to having successfully completed numerous specialized training courses locally and overseas.

Dorian was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in October 2003, and is presently Acting Inspector, OIC Special Branch and Government Security Officer. He is a Police Vehicles Driving Instructor, Close Protection Officer, Tactical Firearms Commander and Firearms Tactical Advisor having served 19 years as a member and Team Leader in the Firearms Emergency Response Team. 

During the span of his career, Dorian has been the recipient of 4 Commissioner Commendations, 5 Team Merit Awards and in 2019 he was recognised by the Department of Public Prosecution for Outstanding Service.

He maintains a healthy lifestyle and fitness regime and in his off time can often be found working out in the gym; and either cycling or walking with his wife Shannell.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Commandant Sandra Cortina Beach

Fri, 2021-02-26

Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Commandant Sandra Cortina Beach

On Thursday, 8 October, 2015, Sandra Cortina Beach, broke the glass ceiling when she became the first female to be appointed as Commandant of the Bermuda Police Reserves.

Commandant Beach a graduate of the Whitney Institute School, joined the Bermuda Reserve Police July, 1995, and immediately her leadership qualities were exposed and in April 1998, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. She continued to work hard to rise up the ranks and was promoted to Reserve Inspector in September of the following year. Her efforts and strong work ethic did not end there and was again she was promoted to Chief Inspector in April, 2001.

During the month of May that year, as a Chief Inspector, Ms. Beach was exposed to operating in a strategic leadership role as she oversaw the running of the entire organization owing to the absence of the Commandant, Deputy Commandant and Superintendent. In addition, she worked in all divisions of the Service and was promoted to Superintendent in September, 2004.

Commandant Beach is known for organizing skills and performing leadership roles on behalf of the Bermuda Police Service, in many of the community events; including, the Annual Girl Guides Thinking Day Service, Harbour Nights Policing Plans and the Annual Christmas Parade, held in the City of Hamilton. She has received overseas training and attended several conferences and courses in Barbados, Canada, London, Bahamas and the United Kingdom.

For her service she has been awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Colonial Police Long Service Award, in October 2010, for 15 years of service, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the Colonial Police Long Service Award in October 2020, for 25 years of service. She is presently leading on the 70th anniversary celebration plans for the Reserves in July of this year.

Black History Month Trailblazer: Carole Royer

Thu, 2021-02-25

Today's Black History Month Trailblazer: Ms. Carole Royer

In 1959, Ms. Carole Royer, became the first black female and the first civilian to work in an administrative position for the Bermuda Police Force.

Commissioner Henderson was in charge of the Police Force when she joined the Force and by the time she retired forty years later, in March 1999, she had served under the administration of seven Police Commissioners.

On her retirement Carole was honoured with the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour for her Long Service to the Police, and a gold award and plaque from Commissioner Colin Coxall for her outstanding contribution to the Bermuda Police.

Carole continues her relationship with her friends and former colleagues of the BPS by attending social events or via telephone calls. Carole paved the way and trained many of the females and male officers alike and was instrumental in creating the systems that are used today.

Thank you Carole for your many contributions, service and dedication to the Bermuda Police Service and the people Bermuda.