Governor: Senior UK Officer To Conduct Review

January 11, 2017

“In line with best practice, the police response to the protests should be independently reviewed by a peer organization,” the Governor said today, adding that he is “making arrangements to have a senior UK police officer conduct such a review.”

In a statment today, Governor John Rankin said, “As made clear in my statement of 7 December, there are two investigations currently underway in respect of the protests outside the House of Assembly on 2 December.

“First, a police investigation into allegations of criminal conduct by those protesting, with files being prepared for possible charges.

“Secondly, an investigation into complaints brought against police officers which have been referred to the Police Complaints Authority.

“I have also agreed with the Commissioner of Police and following consultation with the Premier that, in line with best practice, the police response to the protests should be independently reviewed by a peer organization.

“I am making arrangements to have a senior UK police officer conduct such a review and make recommendations wherever improvements could be made, including as appropriate on any future resource or training needs.”

click here Bermuda protest on Dec 2nd

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Comments (28)

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  1. James Rego says:

    Regardless of findings and recommendations, the combined opposition will never be satisfied!

  2. I and I says:

    A police officer investigating police officers? I wonder what the conclusion will be? HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!

    • Slacktivism says:

      Yeah I and I, good point. A dentist should come and investigate this because no law enforcement agency has ever investigated a police officer and come to any conclusion other than in the police officers favor….

      • Cpt says:

        That’s not true. In the U.K., police officers that have breached codes of conduct are often disciplined.

      • George says:

        I would encourage you to research a subject before making statements you know nothing about. Remember ignorance is not an excuse I and I and Slacktivisim. Police Forces around the modern western world have internal investigation departments which funnily enough are run by other police officers. Please provide the evidence that shows that “no law enforcement agency has ever investigated a police officer and come to any conclusion other than in the police officers favor”. A quick search of the web will show that this is not true.

        • Slacktivism says:

          That was actually sarcasm regarding I and I’s post. Clearly he is out to lunch…

  3. bermy says:

    Lets just drop the “files” being prepared and not be so militant in our reaction if it happens again and move forwards. This is just going to drag it out and likely inflame things. Also how about someone from the independent body that investigates police/police officer situations if this must be done?

  4. wahoo says:

    So we need a senior officer to come and tell us whether or not law breakers who have been warned should be pepper sprayed? WTF? I could answer that one, and I failed recess.

  5. Izzypop says:

    Police body cameras speak volumes

  6. Rhonda says:

    Has a conclusion been reached..

    We seem to have the solution..

    “I am making arrangements to have a senior UK police officer conduct such a review and make recommendations wherever improvements could be made, including as appropriate on any future resource or training needs.”

  7. Jus' Askin' says:

    Who Gave The Order?

    • Terry says:

      ” The order” to do what.

    • Know it All says:

      The unlawful protestors that decided to blatantly ignore police officers who outlined they were not in compliance with the law. They ordered the actions of police.

      This is a non issue that has been milked. It’s only an issue because it’s something to moan about. How many members of the parliament blockade had bloody noses and broken bones? Pepper spray is a temporary solution that enforces control, which was needed given the circumstances all day.

      Everyone needs to grow up and stop trying to make every relate to 1977 to fit a narrative of a select few.

    • aceboy says:

      Nobody gave any orders.

    • Barnacle says:

      The order was given in phone calls and emails in the days leading up to the blocking of parliament. That was the order that set everything in motion. Completely unlawful and the intent must be to turn Bermuda into a banana republic where parliament is denied access to the house. That is the order people should be concerned about.

    • Jus' Wonderin' says:

      The Chief of Police ya dummy…

  8. pinoy says:

    there was nothing wrong in spraying to the seniors and as per what they complain Bermuda is changing

  9. mmm says:

    It is important to give an apperance of being independent, where-ever the person comes from, Scotland, New Zealand, Russia .. the person who is briefing them on various matters, this same body is to whom they most likely will give their loyalty.

  10. Silence Do Good says:

    After watching the video of the events it was clear that Police were not in control of the situation and the mob forced the Police to retreat. I guess in Bermuda our Police have gotten comfortable in not preparing for the eventuality of a unruly mob of organized individual impressing their will to be generally disruptive. I hope events suggest that they actually need training on soft and hard tactics with crowd/protest control, making arrest when the protestors turn into a mob environment and how to protect themselves and colleagues in these events.

  11. Bermy greens says:

    The crowd didn’t act like that the next day and so on ….. lesson learned I would say… I would say don’t try that again .

  12. Broken Glass says:

    The protestors brought it on themselves and now they want to cry about it..typical Bermudians…I want ma Momma attitude.

  13. aceboy says:

    The review should be very detailed. It may just turn out to be very bad news for the people who set the whole thing up. It should focus on the actions of the PLP’s leader to call out people and should take into account previous calls for Civil Disobedience. Derrick Burgess’ rantings should also be fully disclosed to the investigators.

  14. aceboy says:

    The video is clear as a bell. The protestors broke the law and blocked the entrance to the HOA….ILLEGALLY. When the police tried to move them out of the way the person with the umbrella lashed out at the cops and they reacted. Don’t want that to happen again? Don’t strike out at police officers after telling them to “get out of here” and chanting “we will not be moved.” This was all about the airport project, why such a violent reaction? Because they were incited by the political party who don’t want anyone else but themselves to build the new airport. Given what the COI is about to expose one can guess why they wanted to be in control of such a big project and would go to any lengths to stop it. Thus this revolting display.

  15. Hey says:

    Don’t show him the embarrassing video footage.

  16. Say Whaat? says:

    So a UK officer is going to investigate the UK officer that sprayed seniors who were protesting peacefully?!? Smh.

  17. Terry says:

    Having viewed just this one 8 minute clip numerous times there is nothing to investigate here.

    Clearly told they were breaking the law and to move on and stop blocking the entrance.
    Much restraint used and the Officer made the right move by walking forward with intent to navigate a path.

    Did not happen.

    End of story.
    Shalom.
    Years ago they would have been gassed.