‘High Visibility’ Police Patrols Over Holiday
[Updated with video] The Police Service will be conducting high visibility patrols during the upcoming Bermuda Day holiday with the intent on “deterring those members of the public that might seek to disrupt the holiday with acts of violence and criminality,” the police said this afternoon [May 22].
“Patrol units assisted by their colleagues from the Bermuda Reserve Police, will be paying particular attention to incidents of public disorder, weapons possession and public drug misuse,” Acting Superintendent Tracy Adams said.
“Certainly, those persons who are not deterred by the presence of the police and commit these offences can expect to be promptly arrested and delivered to the courts.”
In addition full compliment of officers from the Marine Unit — supplemented by the Bermuda Reserve Police and the Bermuda Regiment — will be on patrol in our waters to deal with marine incidents.
Acting Superintendent Tracy Adams full statement follows below:
The Bermuda Police Service takes this opportunity to advise the public on a number of matters to ensure a peaceful and safe time during this year’s Bermuda Day holiday on Thursday, May 24th.
Our message again this year is to encourage everyone to exercise patience, tolerance, caution and good old fashioned common-sense.
We appeal to the public, and in particular to those persons in the community who are involved in violent crime or have friends and family involved in these crimes, to think about the Bermuda Day holiday and what it means to their community – and not to spoil these events for the whole community, as has happened on other occasions.
High Visibility Patrols
The Police Service will be conducting high visibility patrols during Bermuda Day and throughout the weekend with the intent of making Bermuda safer.
In line with our strategic intents to reduce problems associated with guns, gangs & violence, the Bermuda Police Service is intent on deterring those members of the public that might seek to disrupt the holiday with acts of violence and criminality.
Patrol units assisted by their colleagues from the Bermuda Reserve Police, will be paying particular attention to incidents of public disorder, weapons possession and public drug misuse.
Certainly, those persons who are not deterred by the presence of the police and commit these offences can expect to be promptly arrested and delivered to the courts.
Marine
Bermuda Day traditionally marks the start of the boating season in Bermuda and we expect, weather permitting, that our waterways will be very busy.
A full compliment of officers from our Marine Unit, supplemented by the Bermuda Reserve Police and the Bermuda Regiment will be on patrol in our waters to deal with marine incidents.
We would like to remind the boating public to ensure that their vessels are registered; that a current decal is prominently displayed on the starboard side of the vessel; that they ensure that all required safety equipment is on board; and that they are carrying enough fuel for the intended journey. It is also recommended that they file a float plan if they intend to go offshore.
Additionally, speed is an issue not only in maritime collisions but in the general nuisance factor that is experienced by boaters at anchor near the shoreline. The boating public is reminded of the need to exercise care and caution around other vessels and to be on the lookout for swimmers.
To this end, the 5 knot – no wake areas will be strictly enforced in order to calm the marine traffic. We also encourage that persons do not mix the use of any alcohol with power-boat operating or sailing.
Road Traffic
Another concern will be the volume of traffic that will be on our roads. We are asking the public to exercise care, caution and courtesy while driving, especially when considering the high volume of collisions that seem to traditionally occur on holiday weekends.
Additionally, we encourage members of the public not to drive if they have consumed any quantity of alcohol; even if they think they are below the legal limit. This approach by the public will go a long way to reduce collisions and keep our roads safe for everyone.
We would ask the public to think about this Bermuda Day weekend and do their best not to spoil it for everyone by drinking and driving and being involved in road traffic collisions.
Races & Parade
The public is reminded that on Thursday a number of roads from Somerset to the City of Hamilton will be closed and they should plan alternate travel routes accordingly.
The Bermuda Police Service will endeavour to reduce disruption of the motoring public to a minimum; however all should be aware that there will be necessary road closures.
It is particularly important from a safety point of view that the road closures in the west end on Thursday morning are adhered to as pedal cyclists will be travelling at high speeds coming out of Somerset and even one vehicle pulling out onto the road at that time could have severe consequences and risk serious injury to the participants.
The public is asked to follow the directions given by police officers and marshals on the junctions and to avoid driving onto the routes from private driveways and side roads during the events.
The routes for the races are similar to previous years and the parade route remains the same as last year, starting at Bernard’s Park and finishing at City Hall. The complete parade route details were recently publicised by the Bermuda Government.
Loud Music
Loud music complaints are often associated with this holiday and we accept that the celebration of Bermuda Day brings with it a party atmosphere.
We ask two things of the public – patience and tolerance on the part of the complainants, along with a display of respect and courtesy on the part of the subjects.
We encourage members of the communities that they live in to work together to keep the peace in the neighbourhood and avoid the involvement of the police.
On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, I wish the entire community a pleasant, enjoyable and safe Bermuda Day.
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