Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley has revealed he had been targeted online with “false and slanderous comments about my private life” by someone linked to the service.

Mr Corbishley said in a Facebook post on Wednesday that police knew the real identity of the online profile “Naes”.

He added that “Facebook is a big playground and like playgrounds they contain bullies”.

A police spokesperson said: “The Commissioner has addressed this matter previously and will not be making any further comment.”

The Facebook post came after Mr Corbishley posted on Tuesday that he had come close to shutting down his account on the social media site after he was targeted with “acidic negativity and false commentaries”.

Mr Corbishley has often highlighted the need spoken for good communication with the public.

He has used the page to talk about policing matters as well as giving personal updates.

Mr Corbishley wrote in one of the posts that it was “frustrating” being unable to respond to attacks that had “little and in most cases no truth”.

Mr Corbishley said he could not comment on professional matters, such as conduct that was under investigation.

He said his use of video blogs had declined after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 last month – but that he would resume them in light of the positive public response.

Mr Corbishley reminded the public on Wednesday that they could block online bullies, report them to Facebook or contact the Bermuda Police Service for advice.

He added: “Social media is great and has so many values but it also allows you choices to shut down negative and nasty people who, whilst in the minority, do exist.”

This story was updated at 3.04pm on Friday, December 4 to give the reasons Mr Corbishley declined to comment to The Royal Gazette.

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