Bermuda must replenish a depleted police service to address serious crime on the island, the Opposition’s candidate for Sandys North insisted.

Carl Neblett, a former police officer who dedicated 35 years to policing — 29 of those in the Bermuda Police Service — said he was ready to fight to gain the seat vacated by Kathy-Lynn Simmons, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Reform, who resigned last week.

The 62-year-old moved to Bermuda in 1988 after serving in the Royal Barbados Police Force as a detective in the Central Drug Squad Unit. He said the issue of safety and security in today's climate was a catalyst for him to enter politics.

Mr Neblett served across different areas of the BPS including the central burglary team, the narcotics department, the emergency response team, the traffic department, the joint importation unit, the serious crime unit and the central criminal investigations unit.

He retired six years ago to launch a security services firm.

Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons said yesterday that despite staffing challenges, the BPS continued to “respond effectively to calls for service”.

Mr Neblett told The Royal Gazette last week: “It’s a longstanding issue. We are a British dependent territory, an Overseas Territory, and if any assistance is required for us to deal with the ills of drugs and gangs, we need to look to the UK.”

He added: “The police service is not big enough; our service has been depleted continuously for the last 15 years.

“That is what I am going to have to deal with if and when I become a minister of Parliament. We cannot have a lack of internal security being continuously disenfranchised and diminished.

“This is extremely close to my heart. It is the motivation for me to come into politics.

“At the top of my list is the security of this island; it is paramount.”

He claimed that the BPS was “over 100 officers short” and added: “That does not include those out for other reasons such as taking time out to study, absenteeism, sickness and suspension. We also need to factor that into the numbers.

“The police service is in trouble; it is in serious trouble.“

Referencing recent violent crimes including a double murder in Sandys Parish last month and the shooting of a woman in Paget, Mr Neblett said there was a lack of police presence across the island and a need to ramp up patrols.

He added: “Yesterday morning, as I drove past Mangrove Bay, and within less than 20 metres from the police station, we have a group of people smoking drugs openly. Nobody is doing anything about it.

“If I become the representative for that constituency, this is where the power of my office comes into play because I will make sure there is accountability for that type of security in that jurisdiction.”

Mr Neblett believed the biggest issue was the police budget.

A funding boost of almost $2 million was allocated to the service at the end of 2022.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, told the House of Assembly then that it would mean five people could be added to the parish constables team and an additional 15 officers would allow for increases in the number of serious crime investigators and officers in the firearms unit.

The service was allocated more than $65 million with an additional $1.6 million for capital projects in the 2024-25 Budget.

Mr Simons, the Commissioner of Police, said last month that there were 360 officers in the service.

He added then: “No record, as far back [as] 1979, shows staffing levels this low and certainly not with our current gang challenges.”

Mr Simons said: “Officer numbers need to rise in order for the BPS to effectively respond to violent firearm crime.”

In response to Mr Neblett’s comments, the police commissioner said yesterday: “I appreciate the passion expressed regarding crime in our island home. I have previously shared with the community that the Bermuda Police Service are understaffed.

“We acknowledge the staffing challenges and still respond effectively to calls for service. While we may have fewer officers for routine patrol work, our response to emergencies remains consistent.”

Mr Simons explained: “An impact of being understaffed is that, while we continue to respond to service calls, with fewer people we have become less visible.

“We have fewer people to effect routine patrol in and out of neighbourhoods, routine traffic enforcement, dedicated community work and schools engagement.

“This is clearly not desirable, and as we continue to progress towards a full complement, you will see those needs being better met.

“We are in the process of recruiting more officers. Our focus is on bringing in qualified local talent first and overseas when necessary.

“By the end of the year, we expect to welcome 25 new recruits.

“Please know that our commitment to maintaining your safety remains strong, and together we will keep Bermuda secure.”

During his time with the BPS, Mr Neblett received commissioner’s commendations, merit and recognition awards, certificates and letters of good work, and a heroes award.

He was also was recognised by the BPS and the Bermuda Police Association for his dedication, commitment and exemplary work for rank-and-file officers, as the longest-serving member and chairman of the BPA.

While this is his first foray into politics, Mr Neblett said his experience leading the BPA stood him in good stead.

He explained: “I was chairman of the police association for nine years, and in that capacity, especially during the negotiation process for salaries for the rank and file, you don't have much of a choice.

“You have to meet with government officials through the process. When the process breaks down, you go into mitigation, which tends never to resolve anything, and so the next step is arbitration.

“Therein lies all of the responsibilities to solidify and confirm everything you are fighting for your members.”

The Gazette also asked the Ministry of National Security for comment but none was received by the time of publication.

It was announced yesterday that a by-election has been called for October 4 to fill the Sandys North seat.