A police officer was arrested yesterday on a charge of corruption, the Commissioner of Police said.

Stephen Corbishley said the arrest came after an allegation of a “serious criminal matter”.

He added that the officer was being interviewed and would be released on bail.

Mr Corbishley said the officer will be suspended while the allegation is investigated.

He added that several allegations were under investigation after the service boosted its Professional Standards Department, which ensures police officers act with integrity and professionalism.

Mr Corbishley said: “The result of this investment has identified a number of matters that are now being investigated.

“However, these matters are small in number and do not represent the hard work, ethical standards and professionalism displayed by police officers and staff that work tirelessly each day to keep Bermuda safe.”

Mr Corbishley said the number of officers suspended was 1.5 per cent of its manpower and was “not representative of the hard work and honesty of staff”.

He added: “That notwithstanding, it is essential in securing the public’s confidence in our services that we act when serious wrongdoing by police employees is identified.”

Wayne Caines, the national security minister, said: “No one is above the law, and corruption will be rooted out.

“While we cannot comment on the specifics of the situation, as this is currently going through the legal process, we take all allegations of inappropriate conduct very seriously, particularly when the allegations involve individuals in positions of public trust.”

The arrest came after Pc Kyle Wheatley, 34, was jailed for 2½ years last week for dumping more than 60 traffic tickets for profit.

Wheatley resigned from the service after pleading guilty in the Supreme Court to conspiracy to defeat the ends of justice.

Mr Caines said individuals in the uniformed services must be held to the highest standards.

He added: “The Ministry of National Security has a professional standards section that is tasked with rooting out corruption within our uniformed services.

“And, as Minister, I am committed to ensuring that we uphold the absolute highest standards of integrity, ethics and public confidence.”

The minister said Bermuda had about 400 police officers who “carry out their duties on a daily basis with pride and dedication”.

He added: “We appreciate their loyalty and service in safeguarding and protecting our community.

“But let me be clear, this ministry will not allow a breakdown in discipline.

“Where or when any officer in any of our uniformed services falls below the requisite standards, they will be held to account.”

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