The Tribune

By KHRISNA RUSSELL

Tribune Chief Reporter

krussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis advised new Royal Bahamas Police Force officers to “be careful” of their actions, adding that they had a duty to keep the force’s reputation intact.

Mr Davis noted public concern over how officers execute their duties and citizens’ rights to have a say in how they are policed.

Just last month, a Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer was shot to death after he allegedly “charged” at a police officer and tried to disarm him.

It led RBDF Commodore Raymond King to contend that there should be an established protocol regarding how police officers interact with members of the service.

In the wider public, the incident reignited discourse about police and their use of force and ability to de-escalate hostile environments.

“Never forget that the Royal Bahamas Police Force works in partnership with all citizens, residents and visitors,” Mr Davis said in remarks at the new recruits’ graduation ceremony at the Police Training College yesterday.

“This is outlined in the force’s ‘Statement of Common Purpose and Values’ which places the onus on each of you to perform your duties while respecting individual human rights, reflecting fairness, sensitivity and compassion, while you firmly pursue those who oppose law and order.

“You are no longer a civilian, therefore you will be held to a higher standard, and scrutinised at every turn. This is a good thing, and officers of integrity should not fear it. In fact, you should embrace it.

“Citizens have a right to have a say in how they are policed. We should ‘police by consent’. Ultimately that is the only way in which we will ultimately be effective.

“You begin your tenure at a time where there are raging debates about law enforcement officers and how they execute their duties. The arguments relative to the use of force and perceived bias have dominated local conversations and exploded on social media. This has even drawn international attention to these issues. Again, this is a good thing.”

 He continued: “In the wider society, our people have made it clear that they want public officials and every member of the governing class to work with greater transparency, fairness and integrity. Officers, you are in that part of the state that our people encounter virtually every day, and those expectations are similarly and rightly also directed at you.

 “And so, this is my charge to you today. Be careful of your actions. Ensure that you give policing the best of your service. Live up to the authentic attributes and noble expectations of a police officer by being impartial, truthful, loyal, courageous, courteous, confidential, temperate, tactful, always showing initiative. You represent the future of this noble organisation. You have a responsibility to keep its reputation intact.”

 The Prime Minister pointed to the country’s crime challenges and the call for more police.

 “Our country continues to face many challenges, some of them seemingly overwhelming and intractable. Crime and the fear of crime are real concerns for many people, as you join this valiant fight, rest assured that my government is committed to your cause.

 “Your colleagues have been begging for reinforcement – and you are the answer to their pleas.

“You have sworn to prevent and detect crime, preserve the peace, protect life and property, apprehend all offenders and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

“This is a sacred privilege. You must prize and guard it zealously. You have been vested with great power and authority. You must never forget the great responsibility that comes with it.

“The level of power you will be wielding must be used with much restraint.”

 Mr Davis also told the new officers to strike a balance between work and family life, while continuing to seek avenues for self-development, capacity-building and exposure.

 “Develop a prayer life and in all you do, never forget to put God first. You will need His strength, guidance and direction,” he said.