‘Further Stepping Up Of Heightened Presence’
Following the three recent firearm incidents, the Commissioner of Police said there “will be a further stepping up of our already heightened presence” which “will likely result in some disruptions due to increased stop and search activity, traffic calming and other initiatives.”
Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons said, “In light of three confirmed firearms incidents in a matter of days, I feel the need as Commissioner of Police to reassure the community that your Bermuda Police Service remains steadfast in its efforts to bring those responsible to justice and to prevent these situations from threatening the safety and wellbeing of residents.
“To that end, there will be a further stepping up of our already heightened presence in communities across the island. This will likely result in some disruptions due to increased stop and search activity, traffic calming and other initiatives, the specifics of which it would not be prudent to disclose.
“While the onus is on the BPS to make Bermuda safer, you, the public also have a responsibility in this. When these incidents occur, there are often witnesses or individuals with knowledge of what has happened. People who are aware of those involved. Yet when appeals are made for assistance, the silence is too often deafening.
“That must change if things are to improve and this pattern of violence is to end. We have seen repeatedly that when the BPS is supported by individuals coming forward to provide information on criminal activity, the result is success. Most recently during Bermuda Day celebrations, two suspects were arrested following an assault on Front Street in the City of Hamilton, thanks entirely to members of the public saying what they knew.
“I understand there is fear in speaking up. Possible reprisal, although very rare, is real. That’s why we have put measures in place to protect you. We’ve introduced an online reporting portal at bps.portal.bm where information can be provided anonymously. There’s also Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, which allows you to share information anonymously. Crime Stoppers is independent of the Bermuda Police Service and is based outside Bermuda.
“What’s also important to address is the ‘no snitching’ culture that keeps people silent. When you refuse to provide information on crimes and criminal activity, you’re not protecting anyone. What you’re doing is leaving your neighbourhood vulnerable. When information stays silent, criminals move freely in your community. When you speak up, you protect the streets where your family lives.
“Providing information to the police isn’t snitching. It’s protecting your community and your own safety and wellbeing. It’s doing what’s necessary to make the place you live safer for everyone.
“I won’t lose sight of the fact that it is the women and men under my watch who are charged with the responsibility to make Bermuda safer. It’s a responsibility that I can say, hand on heart, we are committed to. And all of Bermuda must do their part. We cannot do this alone.
“Together, we can change this. Together, we can make our island home safer.”
Typical reactive not proactive approach to the problem.
Don’t,t tell just do!
Why are we still dealing with this inhumane social situation? Is there a registry of names on the known gangs, members and associates? Is there a database? Do you track them? Any surveillance of their gatherings?
Have you implemented new laws to prevent the gathering of these miscreants? From where I sit they have gotten more emboldened due to lack of punishment?
This island is way too small for these incidents to still be haunting us. There need to be drastic changes to prevent the guns from entering our shores.
Here are my free recommendations:
Set up persistent road blocks in these thugs neighbourhoods. Stop them every time they leave home. Have a list of girls connected with them. Monitor their social media accounts and finances. Upgrade our island wide CCTV system with RTCC.
Monitor the behaviours of the children and younger family members of individuals killed and injured. This behaviour has gotten out of hand and is the biggest threat to our island home. Stop being reactionary and do more to prevent this surge of anti social behaviour.
Do you remember Operation Cleansweep and what happened to the Commissioner after that?
You’re going to need to. There are a lot of parties this summer.
It is said that a picture says a thousand words. The picture above is one of a man running scared, a man with little confidence.
How many times has he announced an increase in police presence in one area or another? After awhile who is paying attention? Do we see more cops on the roads? Do they regularly park themselves at locations where the drug dealers are and simply watch them for a bit, disrupting their trade, taking notes of who passes by.
There has to be sympathy forth cops when they do bring a dealer to court only to see that dealer let off by an intimidated jury or lenient judge. They must often wonder, why bother?