Police to act on findings of workplace review
The findings of a newly released review of the culture within the Bermuda Police Service have prompted a pledge from the force to improve their service to the community.
Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary in England conducted the review last year, at the request of Rena Lalgie, the Governor.
Serving BPS officers were interviewed about their experiences in the workplace, with findings compiled in the report.
The review team found the BPS to be a “high-performing, forward-thinking service” compared with other Overseas Territories.
However, the report of the team’s findings noted several events — both local and international — that had tested the organisation.
They included the sudden departure of former commissioner Stephen Corbishley, who faced allegations of gross misconduct.
Ms Lalgie had initiated an inquiry into the accusations made against Mr Corbishley.
The inquiry was dropped after Mr Corbishley, who denied any wrongdoing, quit the service in October 2021 and returned to Britain, with almost two years still to run on his five-year contract.
The Hertfordshire Police team said policing internationally was recovering from Covid-19, with its impact lingering through burnout and mental health issues.
The team said: “Policing behaviour internationally has also had an impact on the police and how they are perceived, the murder of George Floyd and Sarah Everard being cases in point.”
It said the issues “compounded into low morale across the organisation and a less than positive culture”.
Despite the findings, the team said, the island’s police force possessed “strong shared values and take pride in their work”.
A police spokesman said the review's methodology included personal and group interviews, as well as a service-wide survey with a 46 per cent response rate from 196 participants.
Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, said: “This review, which has been in development for over two years, represents a significant step in our ongoing efforts to enhance our service to our community.
“We've been working with Her Excellency the Governor, to whom we are deeply indebted for her support, as well as our UK colleagues to agree on the terms of reference and timings for this review.”
Mr Simons said: “We will be developing an action plan to implement the recommendations, focusing on areas such as resource allocation, internal communication and professional development.
“This review is not just about identifying issues; it's about growing stronger as an organisation.
“We're dedicated to building on our strengths and addressing our weaknesses to better serve Bermuda.”
The Hertfordshire Police team found resource challenges, respect, fairness and transparency and enhancing internal communication to be areas in need of improvement within the organisation.
Mr Simmons said: “While the review highlights areas where morale and culture need improvement, it also underscores the resilience and dedication of our officers and staff.
“I’m immensely proud of their unwavering commitment to serving our community, especially in the face of significant resource challenges.”
He said the administration of the BPS, with continued support from its colleagues in Britain and the Governor, remained committed to addressing the concerns raised.
• To read the Bermuda Police Service Cultural Review, see Related Media
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