Halloween: Police To Be Out in Large Numbers
This morning [Oct 28] the Police held a press conference to address Policing on Halloween; saying that officers, including the Bermuda Reserve Police, will be on the streets in large numbers to deter crime, as well as to mount a robust response to any incidents.
In what appears to be a reference to aspects of Halloween, Acting Superintendent Anthony Mouchette quoted the PACE (2006), Criminal Code, Misuse of Drugs Act saying the Police will use “all lawful powers to deter and detect criminal conduct including Powers of Stop and Search” under new powers under Section 315G of the Criminal Code to “remove face coverings, are conducted where there is reasonable grounds to suspect that the person has committed or is about to commit an arrestable offence.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Wright’s full statement:
For those who celebrate Halloween the intention is for it to be a fun event – an opportunity for harmless family fun, dressing up in costumes and going through the neighborhood collecting candy. Historically though, the event has attracted trouble-makers – not just here in Bermuda but in other countries too.
This year there is speculation and concern in the community that gangs will exploit Halloween as an excuse for criminality and spoil the fun for the wider law-abiding community.
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is also mindful that the event has in the past attracted a large number of other disorder and public nuisance offences as well as drinking and driving. Let me be very clear that the BPS will be working hard throughout the entire weekend and beyond to make Bermuda safer.
Our officers, supported by the Bermuda Reserve Police will be on the streets in large numbers to deter offenders as well as to mount a robust response to any incidents – including those involving firearms. Although the BPS is well positioned to deal with Halloween from an enforcement perspective I really want to take this opportunity to appeal to the public to do your part to preserve the safety and security of everyone. This should be a fun event. Let’s also make it a safe event.
Acting Superintendent Anthony Mouchette’s full statement:
The first thing the public will notice is a very strong and proactive police presence across the island. We ask for your patience and support as we work towards ensuring a safe event. Your patience is requested in the event that you are inconvenienced by those operations. Your support is solicited by letting us know if you see offences being committed or trouble developing. While driving please be aware that there will be lots of pedestrians on the streets – many of whom will be dressed in dark clothing and many of whom will be children. We encourage older children, parents, friends and family to do your part in keeping your young children close by and safe. If you want to drink alcohol then please do not drive.
The BPS will use all lawful powers to deter and detect criminal conduct including Powers of Stop and Search. This refers to the activity of Police Officers utilising their powers to stop and search a person where lawfully justified under PACE (2006), Criminal Code, Misuse of Drugs Act etc. T hese searches, including new powers under Section 315G of the Criminal Code to remove face coverings, are conducted where there is reasonable grounds to suspect that the person has committed or is about to commit an arrestable offence and they are carried out with courtesy, consideration and respect for the individual being stopped.
