New Year’s Holiday Weekend Policing Advisory
The Bermuda Police Service is asking the public to continue to work with the police “to ensure a continued safe and enjoyable festive season.”
Acting Superintendent Jerome Laws, Officer in Charge [OIC] Community Policing Division said, “The Bermuda Police Service wish to thank the public for their co-operation and assistance in ensuring the Christmas Holiday weekend was free of any major incidents or criminal activity.
“As we approach the New Year’s Holiday weekend, we are asking that you continue to work with us to ensure a continued safe and enjoyable festive season.
“For our part, we will maintain a high-profile police presence as we provide public reassurance and work to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour. We are well prepared to respond to and deal with calls for assistance by members of the public to incidents of crime or disorder.
“To that end, there will be increased traffic enforcement with officers adopting a zero-tolerance approach to road traffic offences, particularly those involving impaired driving.
“During this period, licensed premises and private venues throughout the island will hold New Year’s Eve theme parties and events. In keeping with tradition, those in attendance may engage in having a few drinks to celebrate.
“Please be reminded that Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints will be in place starting tomorrow, Friday, December 29, 2023, through to Tuesday, January 2, 2024. We urge you to make the necessary arrangements in order to ensure that you return home safely, if you plan on consuming alcohol while out celebrating. As we’ve often stated, the life you save could well be your own.
“Additionally, driving after using any mind-altering substance, is considered impaired driving. Do not operate any vehicle if you have used any drugs, prescription or otherwise, that may alter your mental state.
“The Corporation of St. George will host their annual ‘Dropping of the Onion’ event at King’s Square in the Olde Towne on Sunday, 31st December 2023.
“The Bermuda Football Association will host the Shield and Friendship Cup Finals at Wellington Oval, St. George’s Cricket Club on Monday, January 1st, 2024. The Shield Final will kick off at 12:00 noon followed by the Friendship Final at 2:30 p.m.
“If you intend on attending any or all of these events, please be aware that there will be a heightened police presence to ensure safe enjoyment for members of the public.
“You can expect there will be traffic checkpoints in operation with searches being done under section 315F of the Criminal Code Act 1907. We ask that you co-operate with the officers at these locations and follow their instructions should you be stopped.
“Our intention is to maintain order and provide reassurance to the public while they celebrate the coming new year. We would much prefer there is compliance by members of the public rather than our officers having to arrest and charge anyone.
“However, when and where required, we will decisively address any acts of criminality or anti-social behaviour.
“We wish to take this opportunity to wish all residents of Bermuda a happy, healthy, safe, prosperous 2024 and we look forward to continuing to partner with you as we all work to make Bermuda safer.”
Just make sure your checking those that are drinking and driving from your own police club