Video: “Comprehensive Policing Plan” For May 24

The Bermuda Police Service has compiled a “comprehensive weekend policing plan” for the upcoming holiday weekend, which will include Patrol units and the Bermuda Reserve Police, while the Marine Unit and Bermuda Regiment will be patrolling the waters.

Chief Inspector Simon Groves said, “Bermuda recognizes its national day this Friday, 24th of May. As you know this is a day of celebrations and traditional events which attract significant participation and support. The vast majority of Bermuda’s people want to enjoy this day and what it represents and the Bermuda Police Service will be deployed in significant numbers to support those activities.

“Our intent, and that of our community partners, is to provide safety and support to allow the peaceful enjoyment of the day. The Sinclair Packwood Memorial cycle race will start at 8:50am in Somerset, and will be followed shortly thereafter by the Half Marathon Derby, which will commence at 9am.

Chief Inspector Groves continued, “The route for both races will remain the same as in previous years. It is important that those watching the races from the roadside stay off the road and do not obstruct the participants in the race. Racing cycles may travel at speeds in excess of 30 miles per hour and may cause serious injury, harm or even death to riders and spectators in the event of a collision. So please stay off the roads and ensure those in your care, especially children, do so as well.

“All race participants whether riding or running are competitors, with their own personal goals. And from first to last place, they all deserve equal respect from the spectators. Identifiable marshals will be present on the route and at road junctions. Their instructions are to be obeyed, and the races will not start until such time as they and the police are satisfied that there is obstruction free passage along the entire route.

“The parade will start at 1:30pm at Bernard’s Park. It will follow the same route as last year, through the city and concluding at City Hall. Roads will be closed to allow the passage of the parade. If you plan to travel in the city area, please make sure you are aware of the road closures and plan your route accordingly. Spectators are asked to be mindful of their safety and the safety of those in their care. Do not step into the road – stay behind the barriers and do not obstruct the progress of the parade.

“Police officers in significant numbers will patrol the entire route to facilitate the enjoyment and safety of all. But be warned – they will also deal swiftly with any of those who may wish to spoil the day for others. Likewise, the holiday marks the beginning of the boating season and the police and Regiment marine personnel will provide a presence on the water. All persons operating a watercraft should ensure that they comply with all marine safety regulations and that they are in possession of the legally required safety equipment.

“Exercise caution – especially when close to swimmers or other boat users. File a float plan, and do not use alcohol while operating a boat. Those that see fit to risk harm to others on the waters can expect the full enforcement of the law.

“As I stated originally, the Bermuda Police Service hopes for a safe, peaceful holiday and indeed weekend. However, rest assured that if individuals try to disrupt the celebrations of others or otherwise engage in any criminal activity, the Bermuda Police Service will act firmly and swiftly against any offender.”

Chief Inspector Jerome Laws said, “As we all know this is a long holiday weekend and as such we have compiled a comprehensive weekend policing plan. We would like to first advise the public that we will be paying particular attention to liquor licensed premises specifically nightclubs and bars. Whilst we encourage the public to have a good time, we believe it is important that they do so responsibly.

“Patrol units assisted by their colleagues from the Bermuda Reserve Police, will be paying particular attention to nightclubs and bars, 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 placed before the courts.

“The motoring public should also be mindful that the police will be highly visible on the roads with the Selective Traffic Enforcement Programme [STEP] initiatives which will be staggered throughout the island focusing on speeding offences, impaired driving, driving without due care and attention, using cell phones while driving or riding, disobeying traffic signs and other traffic offences.

“As this is the first major boating weekend of the year, we will have officers form the Marine Unit, Bermuda Reserve Police and Bermuda Regiment patrolling the waters to ensure all is safe on our waters.

“This is a long holiday weekend and there will be a host of persons travelling overseas or away from their dwellings for extended periods of time. We are advising that if you do, please leave your homes secure, place all valuables in a safe or safety deposit box and have a friend or family member check your property periodically. If members of the public see any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood please contact police immediately.

“On behalf of the Commissioner of Police and all the men and women that serve with me, I wish everyone a happy and safe Bermuda Day weekend.”

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