A female police officer was charged yesterday with unauthorised access to police information and drug-related offences, police said.

Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley said Lakila Hart was arrested in June last year on suspicion of defeating the course of justice and has been suspended since then.

Mr Corbishley said: “As I have stated previously, the BPS has recently invested resources into its Professional Standards Department, which has responsibility to ensure the service acts with integrity and professionalism.”

But he insisted: “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.

“In fact, the number of officers suspended is just 1.5 per cent of the service and is not representative of the hard work and honesty of staff.”

Mr Corbishley 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.”

Ms Hart is expected to appear in Magistrates’ Court on March 10.

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