I write with heartfelt sadness for the families who have lost loved ones to violence, not only recently but over the years. Bermuda’s homicide rate, given our population, is alarmingly high, as evidenced by the statistics on the Bermuda Police Service website. Recent reports indicate there are more than 160 active investigations, with 31 murders remaining unsolved, highlighting a dire need for action (Bermuda Police Service Annual Report 2022).

We must acknowledge that our present approach to addressing violent crime is flawed. While it is crucial to bolster the police force with the manpower and equipment necessary to resolve open cases and maintain a strong community presence, this alone is not sufficient. The police force, with their strength of 400 officers — the lowest number since 1979 — cannot be everywhere to provide the on-the-ground staffing Bermuda urgently needs. Moreover, policing is inherently reactionary, and we must shift towards proactive measures.

Decriminalisation of drugs

A significant point of discussion should be the decriminalisation of drugs. Studies from countries such as Portugal and the Netherlands show that decriminalising drugs can significantly reduce drug-related violence by removing the economic incentives of the drug trade. In Portugal, the decriminalisation of all drugs in 2001 led to a 50 per cent reduction in drug-related deaths and a significant decrease in HIV infections (Greenwald, 2009). The focus shifted from punishment to treatment, resulting in improved public health and safety outcomes.

Similarly, the Netherlands has long implemented a pragmatic approach to drug policy, distinguishing between “soft” and “hard” drugs and tolerating the sale of small amounts of cannabis. This has contributed to lower rates of problematic drug use and drug-related crime compared with countries with more punitive approaches (Korf & Wouters, 2020). By adopting similar policies, Bermuda could reduce the violence associated with the illegal drug market and focus on rehabilitation rather than incarceration.

Addressing nonviolent offenders

Releasing nonviolent offenders and ceasing to incarcerate individuals for drug convictions could alleviate some of the pressure on our legal system and reduce the motivations behind many violent crimes in Bermuda. Studies indicate that incarcerating nonviolent drug offenders often exacerbates social inequalities and increases recidivism rates (Mauer & King, 2007). Instead, diverting these individuals to treatment programmes can lead to better long-term outcomes and reduce the cycle of crime.

Youth engagement programmes

Additionally, it is imperative that we invest in our youth by enforcing their enrolment in programmes such as scouting, junior firefighters, junior police, and the reserve officers’ training corps with the Royal Bermuda Regiment. All of these services have been greatly harmed by the lack of incoming recruits. We have the ability as a country to build a pipeline and provide life skills for those in these programmes. Although conscription might have been politically contentious, it has historically provided young Bermudians with valuable skills and a sense of purpose. Research shows that structured youth programmes can significantly reduce delinquency and improve social outcomes. Participation in organisations has been linked to lower rates of criminal behaviour and higher levels of civic engagement in adulthood (Mahoney & Stattin, 2000).

To implement this effectively, establishing partnerships with local schools to mandate participation in these youth programmes could ensure every young Bermudian has access to these opportunities.

The importance of proactive measures

While strengthening our police force is necessary, it is not enough. We must address the root causes of violence through drug policy reform and proactive youth engagement. These measures can create a safer, healthier community by reducing the socioeconomic factors that contribute to crime and providing young people with positive pathways to success.

In conclusion, only through these bold actions can we hope to curb the violence that plagues our beautiful island. By looking at successful models from other countries and investing in our youth, we can build a safer Bermuda for future generations.

References for publication:

1, Bermuda Police Service Annual Report 2022. Available at: [BPS](https://www.bermudapolice.bm/content/annual-report-2022)

2, Greenwald, G. (2009). Drug Decriminalisation in Portugal: Lessons for Creating Fair and Successful Drug Policies. Cato Institute. Available at: [Cato](https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/pubs/pdf/greenwald_whitepaper.pdf)

3, Korf, D. J., & Wouters, M. (2020). Drug policy in the Netherlands. European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Available at: [EMCDDA](https://www.emcdda.europa.eu)

4, Mauer, M., & King, R. S. (2007). A 25-Year Quagmire: The War on Drugs and Its Impact on American Society. The Sentencing Project. Available at: [Sentencing Project](https://www.sentencingproject.org)

5, Mahoney, J. L., & Stattin, H. (2000). Leisure activities and adolescent antisocial behaviour: The role of structure and social context. Journal of Adolescence. Available at: [Journal of Adolescence](https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-adolescence)

• Gilbert “Artie” Darrell has a background in business, technology and emergency services, and is the founder of Bermuda Air Ambulance