Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative On BPS Report
“The Bermuda Police Service [BPS] Cultural Review Report 2024, although diplomatically worded, paints a bleak picture of a police service in crisis,” the Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative [BEJI] said.
A spokesperson said, “The report raises serious concerns about the practices and culture within the BPS, which demand immediate attention if public confidence in the service is to be restored. BEJI emphasizes that true justice requires a properly functioning police service that commands the trust of both its officers and the public.
“Among the most troubling revelations in the Review was that the BPS’ Professional Standards Department [PSD] was widely perceived by officers as a punitive tool rather than a mechanism for fair and impartial accountability, leading to a culture of fear and distrust within the organization.
“The report revealed that a concerning ‘us and them’ mentality had emerged which led to a significant disconnect between senior officers and those in lower ranks, which has contributed to low morale and operational inefficiencies.
“The lack of transparency surrounding the sudden resignation of former Commissioner Stephen Corbishley continues to erode trust within the service and indeed, among the public. BEJI believes that BPS officers and the community at large deserve full and frank disclosure of the circumstances that led to his departure— transparency is essential for rebuilding confidence in the BPS.
“The report also underscores alarming statistics reflecting the internal challenges:
- 72% of officers feel there is not fairness for all officers.
- 51% of officers believe that there is a negative culture within the service.
- 42% do not feel safe to challenge inappropriate behavior, with an additional 20% expressing no view.
- Only 26% feel valued by the organization.
“These figures paint a bleak picture of a service struggling with internal discontent and a crisis of confidence.
“BEJI believes that if public confidence is to be restored, the BPS must first focus on earning the trust of its officers. As the report reveals, many officers do not feel treated with fairness or safe to report inappropriate behavior. How can the public be expected to have confidence in a service where even its own members express such profound concerns?
“The report also identifies significant burnout among officers, with 22% of the service operating on post retirement contracts. Burnout leads to mistakes and oversights, which, in turn, result in miscarriages of justice like the recent revelation of errors with DNA evidence which led to the wrongful conviction of Julian Washington and a review of hundreds of historic cases.
“Restoring public trust begins with addressing the lack of accountability at the highest levels. This includes full and frank disclosure regarding the investigation into the resignation of former Commissioner Stephen Corbishley. Transparency in this matter is not just a gesture; it is a foundational step toward rebuilding confidence both within the service and among the public.
“The Professional Standards Department [PSD] must also be reformed to ensure it operates as a fair and impartial accountability mechanism rather than a tool for punitive action. Clear and consistent guidelines must be implemented, providing officers with the confidence to report inappropriate behavior without fear of reprisal.
“Furthermore, BEJI calls for the establishment of an independent and impartial anti-corruption body,” the spokesperson said. “This watchdog entity must be free from the stigma and bias that currently undermine trust in internal processes. Without such a body, recent instances of criminal charges against officers and dismissals will continue to erode public confidence.
“Equally critical is addressing the systemic underfunding of the BPS. Operating with just 360 officers out of a budgeted 400, the service is stretched beyond capacity. Proper funding is essential not only to recruit and retain Bermudian officers but also to ensure fair pathways for career progression, addressing the stigma and concerns that deter Bermudians from joining the force.
“BEJI recognizes the vital role played by the honest, hardworking officers who dedicate their lives to serving our community. Advocating for fair and equal justice means standing with these officers and ensuring their concerns are addressed by senior management. A fair and just society depends on a police service that is both trusted by the public and supported internally.
“BEJI implores the next government to prioritize increased funding for the BPS and take decisive steps to address these systemic issues. Without immediate action, misconduct hearings, shady resignations, and miscarriages of justice will continue to plague the service, further eroding public trust.
“BEJI looks forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the BPS and the incoming Government to working collaboratively to foster transparency, fairness, and accountability in the BPS. The challenges highlighted in this report must not be ignored; they represent an opportunity to rebuild a police service that embodies the principles of equity and public trust.”
The full Bermuda Police Service 2024 Cultural Review Report follows below [PDF here]:
Read More About
Category: All
does an ‘officer’s mess’ still exist, separate to the police recreation club (PRC) further promoting a ‘them & us’ approach, a differentiation between officers (with a small ‘o’) and Officers (of Inspector & above, with a capital ‘O’)?
The Bermuda Police disciplinary process … 35 years on and no change; Officers accused of wrongdoing were subjected to a disciplinary system stacked against them. Complaints were investigated, prosecuted, and judged by senior Officers – a clear conflict of interest? To my knowledge, no one had ever been acquitted at a BPS disciplinary hearing until the late 80′s … https://www.bermudapolice.com/about/
Who makes up the Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative?
It is not a registered charity as far as I can tell.
I am always wary of anonymous groups that claim to speak for me or for “justice”. More often than not such anonymous groups are advancing their own grievances but claiming to be seeking “justice” for all.