Press Releases
Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Inspector Edward "Bosun" Swainson
Thu, 2021-02-18
Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Inspector Edward “Bosun” Swainson
Inspector Edward R. “Bosun” Swainson made history when he scored the first century in Cup Match in 1937, and he went on to become a legendary police officer who was our first black officer to be promoted to the rank of Inspector.
Edward was born in Bermuda in 1901. As a young man he proved to be an outstanding all-round sportsman and was clearly an exceptional cricketer who joined St George’s C.C. at the age of 15, and by 1925 he was appointed captain of St. George‘s Cup Match team.
It is a little known fact that during the 1920’s Bermuda would regularly send teams of our best “coloured” cricketers to New York to compete against teams from the West Indies. After his brilliant performances during a 1927 tour, it was said of Bosun that he “… gave such an exhibition of masterly batting as evoked the plaudits of the most sophisticated critics, who acclaimed him when he first played in New York, as the finest batsman seen in New York since the Australians visited the country over 20 years ago.” High praise indeed!
“Bosun” or “Bo” as he became known, joined the Police Force in 1935, and quickly established his reputation as a resourceful and excellent police officer. Two years later he scored 122 runs to achieve the first century in Cup Match, and he almost repeated this feat the next year when he scored 99.
By 1945, “Bosun” had also proven his ability as a highly efficient investigator, and he was appointed as a Detective. Three years later, in May 1948 “Bosun” was promoted to Detective Sergeant, and less than 12 months later he made history when he was promoted to Detective Inspector becoming the first black Bermudian to reach the rank of Inspector.
Read MoreBlack History Month Trailblazer: Former Chief Superintendent Oliver Salsbury Winfield "Chief" Trott QPM CSM LSM
Wed, 2021-02-17
Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Chief Superintendent Oliver Salsbury Winfield "Chief" Trott QPM CSM LSM
Chief Superintendent Oliver “Chief” Trott was, without doubt one of the most popular and respected officers to ever serve in the Bermuda Police Force. Although his later years were spent as Chief Superintendent in Uniform, it is as a brilliant detective that he earned his richly deserved reputation. Oliver, was born in St. George’s on 24th July 1914, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Trott. Their family home was the yellow cottage standing just behind Somers Gardens at the corner of Shinbone Alley.
We’re not sure what compelled Oliver to do so, but in 1939 at the age of 24, he made the decision to join the Bermuda Police Service, at a time when men of “colour” had great difficulty making progress through the ranks. Oliver spent his early years on the Force in uniform, first at Hamilton Police Station and then as Paget Parish Constable. He spent some time serving in Somerset, however, in 1952, he was transferred to CID which was clearly the turning point in his Police career. He excelled as a detective officer and spent most of the rest of his distinguished career in CID. His rapid progress through the ranks was a testament to his ability and dedication. He was promoted to Detective Sergeant in 1955, and just one year later, in 1956, he was promoted to Detective Inspector. That was an exceptionally quick promotion by any standard. Five years later, in 1961, he was promoted to Chief Inspector in charge of Central CID where he cemented his reputation as an outstanding detective. During his time in CID Oliver was involved in the investigation of many serious crimes, including the Warwick murders, and on several major cases he worked closely with Scotland Yard Detectives brought in from abroad to provide assistance.
In 1967, Oliver was promoted to Superintendent in uniform and became Bermuda’s first recruiting officer in charge of recruitment and training. Throughout most of the 1960s he interviewed literally hundreds of potential recruits and travelled to the U.K and to the West Indies to do so, as well as interviewing Bermudian applicants for the Police Force. Oliver was the first Chairman of the Bermuda Police Association and was instrumental in pushing for the intermingling of all police officers, regardless of race, in a social setting at the Police Recreation Club. He was an avid cricket fan and would often turn out to support the Police Force cricket team.
In 1968 Oliver was promoted to Chief Superintendent, a position he held until his retirement from the Force on January 29th, 1972, after a career spanning over 33 years. During his illustrious service Oliver received numerous letters of good work and Commissioner’s Commendations for his expertise in solving serious crimes and in 1962, he was awarded the Police Long Service Medal, the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1968, and in 1971, he was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for his Distinguished Service.
Black History Month Trailblazer: Deputy Commandant Ron-Michel Eugene Davis
Tue, 2021-02-16
Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Deputy Commandant Ron-Michel Eugene Davis
Ron-Michel is a born Bermudian Officer and married to his wife Le'Shea. He has two sons ages 16 and 10 years old.
Ron-Michel joined the Bermuda Police Reserves in November 2001, and during his tenure has been posted to several key postings in the Bermuda Police Service. During his early years his leadership and strong work ethic was quite evident and resulted in him being identified as a future leader of the organization.
In June 2004, he was promoted to Reserve Sergeant and over the next ten years he continued to rise through the ranks. In March 2014, following a rigorous promotion process; he was promoted to his present rank of Deputy Commandant.
He has served for over 20 years and during his time, he has worked on several major investigation and has supported the Bermuda Police Service with achieving its priority goals and objectives.
Ron-Michel continues to coach, mentor and invest of his time to develop the officers under his charge. For his efforts he has been awarded several merit and appreciation awards and letters of good work.
Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Commissioner Frederick. C. B. "Penny" Bean
Mon, 2021-02-15
Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Commissioner Frederick C. B. “Penny” Bean
Commissioner Frederick C. B. “Penny” Bean, joined what was then the Bermuda Police Force in 1956 as a young constable, aged 19. He rose through the ranks to become our first black Bermudian Commissioner of Police in 1981, a position he held until his retirement on 23 March 1990.
During his 34 years of service, Commissioner Bean earned the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service, awarded to him after the Chief Justice commended him for disarming an armed robber. He also earned the Colonial Police Long Service Medal and the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. During his time in the senior leadership of the police, Mr. Bean forged closer ties to the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the Canadian National Police Services. He also established a joint Bermuda Police and HM Customs Drug Importation Squad.
Commissioner Bean created the “Police Community Relations” programme and the first Bermuda Police Fraud Squad. He also improved the living quarters for single officers and enhanced our internal communications, by acquiring a sophisticated, secure, multichannel police radio system and Emergency 911 system, held within the combined Operations Centre at Prospect. Upon retirement, Commissioner Bean was named to the Order of the British Empire.
At his retirement, Commissioner Bean is quoted as saying “I have enjoyed every moment of it. I have no regrets, and if I had a choice to do it all over again, I would not hesitate. I hope my tour of service will serve as an inspiration to other young Bermudians coming along.”
BPS to Assist TCD With Traffic Checks February 15th & February 16th
Fri, 2021-02-12
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), wishes to advise the public that on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th February, 2021, the Transport Control Department (TCD) will be assisted by the BPS, in conducting traffic enforcement initiatives in the eastern and western areas of the island.
The areas selected will offer the least disruption to members of the public, whilst maximizing the effectiveness of the operation.
The BPS would like to thank the motoring public for their patience as we endeavour to make Bermuda’s roads safer.
Black History Month Trailblazer: Station Duty Officer Linda Bogle-Mienzer
Fri, 2021-02-12
Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Station Duty Officer Linda Bogle-Mienzer
Linda Bogle-Mienzer is a Black Bermudian gay unionist. She joined the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) in June 1996, as a Station Duty Officer (SDO); a role she continues to perform.
In addition to her policing duties which includes her mentoring, coaching and training other SDOs, in 2009, Linda became the Chairperson of Division 7 Bermuda Public Service Union (BPSU) and in 2015, she was elected as 2nd Vice President, of the BPSU.
Linda’s involvement and love for her community are second to none and she is a key member of the BPS team, an organiser and the host of the popular Bermuda Police Service's Police Week Seniors' Tea event.
Linda is also a leader for social change and a long serving member of local community awareness groups CURB and Restorative Justice. Linda’s love for sports is another highlight of her career as in 2008, she Captained Bermuda’s First Female Cricket Team, in Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, held in South Africa.
A consummate professional in all of her endeavours, Linda’s contribution as a member of the BPS is commendable.
Reported Firearm Incident in Hamilton Parish
Fri, 2021-02-12
The Bermuda Police Service yesterday, Thursday 11th February, 2021, received reports that multiple gunshots were fired at a residence in the Harlem Heights area of Hamilton Parish, around 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday 10th February, 2021.
However, a subsequent search of the location where the incident is alleged to have occurred, revealed no forensic evidence to confirm the report.
The BPS has heightened patrols in and around Hamilton Parish to provide reassurance to residents of Harlem Heights.
Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Inspector Milton Marsh
Thu, 2021-02-11
Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Former Inspector Milton Marsh
Born in Nevis in 1910, and raised in St. Kitts where his father was a police officer it could be said that young Milton Murray Marsh had law enforcement in his blood but he never thought to join the police at that time.
When he was a young man his father came to work in Bermuda in Public Works and Milton decided to visit the Island himself where he met and married a young Bermudian, Miss Gwendolyn Williams, who was the daughter of Det. Sgt. J.J. Williams who worked alongside Bermuda’s first detective “D.O” Simons. Milton decided to stay in Bermuda and in June 1941 he joined the Bermuda Police at which time he was handed a worn out flashlight, a pair of handcuffs and a truncheon, and set off to walk the beat.
He was one of several West Indian policemen at that time, and many years later, when asked about his early days as a policeman he commented that because of his West Indian origin people would often refer to him as a “jigger foot”, and he encountered a lot of prejudice.
He became a detective working out of Somerset alongside the great Somerset duo of Mike (Cann) and Spike (Hazel), and later in Central CID alongside Vernon Jackson, Edward “Bosun” Swainson and “Chief” Oliver Trott. Whilst in CID he was promoted to Detective Sergeant, and during his career he received seven Commissioner’s Commendations for good work carrying out investigations. It is clear that Milton was a very dedicated and resourceful officer who greatly contributed to the efforts of the BPS in maintaining law and order throughout his service, and particularly whilst in CID. His dedication resulted in Milton being the first officer of West Indian origin to be promoted to Detective Inspector.
Black History Month Trailblazer: Constable Dwayne Leverock
Wed, 2021-02-10
Today’s Black History Month Trailblazer: Constable Dwayne Leverock.
Constable Dwayne Leverock, more popularly known as “Sluggo”, joined the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) as a Cadet in March 1989. He has served in a host of different units within the BPS, including, the Police Task Force, Central Station Jailor, Prosecutions Department, Eastern and Central Patrol Divisions. He is currently posted as a Police Dispatcher in the Operations Centre, Prospect.
Constable Leverock is the recipient of Police Long Service Awards, as well as several letters of good work.
In addition to a successful policing career, Sluggo has also had an illustrious sporting career. His most recognized sporting feat date being that now world famous “Superman-like catch” in the 2007 Cricket World Cup, to remove Indian opening batsman Robin Uthappa.
An avid golfer, Sluggo boasts a 7 handicap. While representing the BPS, in 2017 and 2018, he won his group play matches at the famous Myrtle Beach Golf Club in Florida.
Sluggo was also a member of the Bermuda national football team and has represented several top local clubs, including, PHC Zebras, North Village Community Club and the Police team, Prospect United. He has represented the BPS in international soccer tournaments and was a part of the winning team in North American Police Soccer Championships, as well as the US Secret Service “Stop the Violence” Soccer Tournaments held in Washington DC.
A standout cricketer, Sluggo played for many years in the Annual Cup Match Classic, representing the Somerset Cricket Club, and remains 11th overall in terms of wickets taken in the classic with an impressive 44 wickets to his name.
Curfew Breach Resulting in Arrest
Wed, 2021-02-10
Shortly before 12:30 a.m. today, Wednesday 10th February, 2021, members of the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) were assisting with a curfew checkpoint on North Shore Road in Devonshire.
Officers observed a motorcycle make a U-turn as the rider neared the checkpoint.
RPU units attempted to stop the rider who led them on a high speed chase west along Middle Road in Devonshire and on to Shelton Road in Pembroke, where the rider lost control and came off the bike in the area of First Avenue.
