The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

AMID Free National Movement calls for his resignation, police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said yesterday that the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is “committed to ensuring that transparency and accountability remain at the forefront” of its efforts.

His comment came after a US indictment accused police officers of sweeping corruption, aiding South American drug traffickers in smuggling cocaine through The Bahamas to the United States. It alleges senior officers received millions in bribes, provided intelligence to traffickers to avoid capture, and actively obstructed investigations. 

“Any breach of trust within the RBPF will be dealt with decisively,” Commissioner Fernander said. 

He said the RBPF is working closely with international law enforcement agencies, including US authorities, to investigate the claims.

The US indictment is the latest incident to challenge the public’s trust in the leading law enforcement agency. A number of police officers have been charged with rape this year, and voice notes purporting to capture a quid-pro-quo arrangement involving a high-ranking officer and gang members shook the country this summer.

The federal indictment included charges against a chief superintendent and a defence force chief petty officer.

Defence Force Commodore Dr Raymond King, in a statement, said the the RBDF is committed to integrity and collaboration with international security partners. 

“As commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, I will not tolerate any breach of trust or compromise of our mission to protect The Bahamas,” he said. “Those responsible for wrongdoing will be held fully accountable.”