The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

POLICE Commissioner Shanta Knowles has dismissed speculation that she is preparing to leave office, saying she intends to serve until retirement but is not ready to retire just yet.

“I’m not hearing anything about that,” Commissioner Knowles said when asked about a potential shake-up in the force. “So if you have the information, give it to me but I am serving as Commissioner of Police until otherwise I'm ready for retirement, and I'm not ready for retirement as yet.”

Ms Knowles, who has served in the police force for more than 30 years, was appointed the first female commissioner in early 2025 following explosive corruption allegations highlighted in a US federal indictment.

Her tenure has coincided with a notable decline in murders, although complaints of police misconduct continue.

Earlier this month, 23-year-old mother Lewratta Farisien criticised officers at the East Street South Police Station over their handling of her assault complaint.

She alleged officers initially refused to take her complaint that she had been beaten by her son’s father and his aunt. After the pair were charged, she accused officers of harassing her.

If Ms Farisien’s account is accurate, the officers’ handling of her complaint would run counter to the Protection Against Violence Act, 2023, which was passed to change how police and others treat victims of violence.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force has since called the allegations concerning and launched an investigation.

When asked for an update Friday, Commissioner Knowles said officers were still probing the claims, including whether officers acted in accordance with the established policies.

“Once my complaints and corruption has completed their investigations and and send the information forward, then we will deal with that situation,” she said.

Still, Commissioner Knowles urged domestic violence victims to report abuse to police.

“Those in our communities who may know of people who are being or who are victims of domestic violence, if they can't reach out for themselves, please reach out so that we can get help for them.”