Authorities might have averted the Island’s gang violence epidemic ten years ago when “the writing was on the wall, for all to see”.The Bermuda Police Service’s outgoing Assistant Commissioner David Mirfield said trouble was brewing in 2003 when student Shaundae Jones was gunned down in Dockyard.“Things were starting to change in Bermuda, and arguably both the police and Government at that time failed to recognise the significance of young men who were starting to feel marginalised in their own country,” Mr Mirfield said.Speaking to The Royal Gazette as he stepped down after three years of tackling serious crime in Bermuda, Mr Mirfield added: “Thankfully, the change is starting to happen. There’s now a mature realisation that you can’t arrest your way out of the problem.”Mr Mirfield arrived from England’s West Midlands Police in 2010 when “the fire was well and truly blazing, and the officers were exhausted at every rank — including command”.“The previous Government started to understand what was needed and commenced to put things in place about three years ago when I arrived — things such as the gang task force and the StreetSafe workers,” he said.“They started to understand the challenges and tackle the social issues. The new Government has picked up the baton where they left off and are energised to bring about the changes that are needed.“You now have a police service that is the envy of equivalent jurisdictions anywhere in the world. When I look back at 2010, there were 181 firearm incidents that we were called to. Those have decreased year on year. In 2012 it was 88, and so far this year we have recorded 32. The caveat is young men are still being shot.”With more than 30 years’ experience in tackling gang violence, Mr Mirfield drew on his contacts from the UK and elsewhere.“I’ve called in a lot of favours,” he said.Having mentored Antoine Daniels, a local Assistant Commissioner. Mr Mirfield will serve until March 2014 as a civilian advisor in the fight against gang violence in Bermuda.“I will be working with the Gang Task Force, looking to embed the StreetSafe people and Ceasefire. I’m going to be part of their overseas assistance,” he said.Mr Mirfield also hopes to “lobby Government” to make legislative changes.He pointed to the 2010 gun murder of Raymond (Yankee) Rawlins, followed in 2011 by the conviction of David Cox, as “a watershed moment of huge significance” in his career with local police.“It demonstrated that with professional investigations, and a dedicated prosecution team, a jury comprising Bermudians would convict cold-blooded killers like Cox.“I can’t emphasise how important that conviction of Cox was — and it was one of the first times we used a protected witness. Witness protection has been a big thing of mine ever since I’ve been here — Bermuda is now in one of the best positions of all the overseas territories as far as witness protection is concerned.”Many of the Island’s worst criminals are now “arrested, serving huge, life term sentences”, he said, adding: “The tide has started to turn. This isn’t self-praise. This is down to the hard work of officers and staff and our partners.”He likened the task to “clearing the beach before your troops can go in”.“A number are leaving the country because they know we’re getting close.”Coming up, Mr Mirfield said, the community division of the Inter Agency Gang Task Force will take on a greater role.“They’ve only just started to take shape; you’ll hear a lot more. It will only be the community that regain the streets. One of my overriding memories when I do finish in Bermuda will be the strength of the community here.”And a local version of Operation Ceasefire should be unveiled soon, he continued.“That’s for Government to announce. They’re trying to get their ducks in a row so it’s not piecemeal.”Mr Mirfield commended the recent gun amnesty for bringing at least one firearm off the streets.“One gun is a huge thing. Guns are not easy to recover. Recently we’ve recovered quite a lot through excellent policing. We’ve recovered some weapons that will be linked to serious crime. Three or four fully working firearms and ammunition to go with them. There are three or four people charged separately, and you’ll see them in the courts.”He expressed disappointment in the lack of calls to the confidential CrimeStoppers hotline, however.“They will not disclose details of callers; it won’t happen,” Mr Mirfield said. “People are still reluctant, and I don’t know why. Not only is it safe, but CrimeStoppers have a budget — and they pay people.”