An external review of the Bermuda Police Service workplace culture shows an organisation in crisis, a pressure group claimed.

The Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative said that the group was concerned by several findings documented in a 21-page report.

Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons acknowledged the concerns raised and said that although work was required, the BPS was “committed to doing that work".

Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary in Britain conducted the review at the request of Rena Lalgie, then the Governor. It was released publicly this month one day after she left the island.

The BEJI pointed to a finding that operations of the professional standards department “led to a culture of fear and distrust in the organisation”.

It said that this and other findings in the report “paint a bleak picture of a service struggling with internal discontent and a crisis of confidence”.

The BEJI said that the BPS must first earn the trust of officers — a significant number of whom expressed that they did not see “fairness for everyone” — before public confidence in the service can be restored.

It suggested that, rather than the PSD, an “independent and impartial body” should address claims of misconduct within the BPS.

The spokesman added: “This watchdog entity must be free from the stigma and bias that currently undermine trust in internal processes.

“Without such a body, recent instances of criminal charges against officers and dismissals will continue to erode public confidence.”

The group believed additional funding for the BPS was needed “not only to recruit and retain Bermudian officers but also to ensure fair pathways for career progression”.

It added that immediate action was required to prevent further incidences that could wear away public trust.

The group said: “BEJI looks forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the BPS and the incoming Government, to foster transparency, fairness and accountability in the BPS.

“The challenges in this report must not be ignored, they represent an opportunity to rebuild a police service that embodies the principles of equity and public trust.”

Mr Simons acknowledged the BEJI’s concerns and said: “A better and more efficient BPS is the desire of us all and something we steadfastly continue to work towards.

“Transparency remains a hallmark of the Bermuda Police Service. It is in that vein that as Commissioner of Police I felt it was imperative to make public the findings of the review team.”

Mr Simons also highlighted some positive findings from the report, such as that officers took pride in their jobs and said that they had strong relationships in the community.

He explained: “Despite the fact we still have some work to do, we are committed to doing that work.

“The women and men of the BPS, uniformed and support staff alike, take pride in what they do and enjoy the support of the community they serve; that can only benefit us all.

“I again take this opportunity to thank all members of the service for their commitment to duty and willingness to serve as we continue to make Bermuda safer.”