10.5 The identification of a group of six middle-rank to senior officers to receive, where possible, greater experience in management and development where appropriate is, within my experience, a unique method of attempting to identify and accelerate potential from within the present levels of supervision.

11. Complaints and Discipline (C&D) 11.1 The Complaints and Discipline Department has increased its staff from one Inspector to two Inspectors, with a Chief Inspector as supervisor.

This enables the great proportion of complaints by members of the public to be investigated within the C&D unit. The complaints system is identical to the procedures used in the UK. I have examined a random selection of files and I am satisfied that complaints, and internal discipline issues, are investigated thoroughly and presented properly to the Deputy Commissioner, and where necessary thereafter, to the Police Complaints Review Board.

11.2 The introduction of a system of informal resolution where appropriate has eliminated the need for protected enquiry, and with the complainant's agreement, allowed in certain cases for the issues to be discussed and resolved to the agreement of both sides. In 1996, of 73 complaints against Police officers 39 were resolved through informal resolution, 8 were withdrawn.

11.3 In the more serious complaints, including those which might result in criminal proceedings, the enquiry is conducted by a Superintendent.

11.4 The officers in C&D inform me that the greater proportion of complaints relate to the attitudes of Police officers to members of the public; the use of excessive force by Police officers; and assaults. This sort of conduct is diametrically opposed to the ethos of the mission statement, and is against what other members of the BPS are attempting to achieve. Where validated it must be dealt with firmly. I believe that additional training, and greater involvement within the community should help to eradicate this unprofessional conduct.

11.5 I believe that the role of the Police Complaints Review Board (PCRB) needs to be reviewed. The Police Service members, particularly within C&D, seem to be satisfied with the overview PCRB offers, although they are somewhat critical of the delays within the process, particularly at the assessor stage.

However the acting chairman of the PCRB firmly believes that there is a need for an Independent Police Complaints Authority to review complaints against Police, and their investigation. This authority would need the backing of legislation which would ensure the legal standing and authority of the Chairman.

Mr. Coles Diel strongly supports the introduction of the New Zealand System.

In speaking to representatives of the community, I found little support for an independent complaints authority. This issue does not appear to be a matter of great public concern at this time. However, I believe that some form of outside overview of the manner in which Police complaints are investigated is necessary for public confidence.

11.6 A review would determine whether such authority, with the need for its own paid staff, and the appointment of a chairman with quasi-judicial powers is necessary to overview the number of complaints against Police which receive full investigation.

I recommend that the role of the Police Complaints Review Board is reviewed and the need for an Independent Complaints Authority is considered.

12. Marine Branch 12.1 The Marine Section consists of one Inspector, one Sergeant and eleven Police officers. It has a section of seven boats including 2x26 rigid inflatables and 3x22ft Boston Whalers. This section has recently acquired a 27-ft. Boston Whaler, and a 46-ft. Hatteras vessel.

12.2 The role of the marine section is to enforce marine regulations and undertake search and rescue operations. The latter role is of increased importance due to the departure from the various naval bases on the island of the UK, Canada and the US.

12.3 The Hatteras vessel was presented to the Bermuda Police by the US Drugs Enforcement Agency and highlights concern with the increasing level of illicit narcotics dealing at an international level. With a speed of 18 knots and a fuel range of 270 miles, this clearly becomes an important weapon in drug interdiction.

12.4 To prepare for the extended use of the Police boats, the section are receiving seamanship training together with members of HM Customs and the Bermuda Reserve Police. Alongside this advancement, members of the Diving Section have been provided with new diving equipment and are receiving specialised training from members of the Ontario Provincial Police.

12.5 I have two concerns relating to the marine section. Although supplemented from time to time by HM Customs, and by the Reserve Police, an establishment of 13 people is not sufficient to adequately crew a fleet of seven boats. It is doubtful if all boats would be required operationally at the same time, but in the busy sailing season, three boats may be required together either for separate matters, or on combined operations.

12.6 The situation is exacerbated by the responsibility for search and rescue up to 30 miles from Bermuda's coast.

I recommend that the establishment of the Marine Section is reviewed with the objective of ensuring sufficient operational staff for its tasks.

12.7 The other concern relates to the cramped and inadequate accommodation available to the Marine Section and the diving section.

I recommend that consideration should be given to providing adequate and more spacious accommodation and facilities for the marine section base.

13. Conclusion 13.1 I referred earlier to the background of concern about policing against which my last review of the BPS was conducted. This had led to poor morale within the force particularly within the junior and middle ranks.

Morale is much improved at all levels of the service with an awareness of the purpose of the service strategy which has injected a business like approach to the policing style.

13.2 The Police Service strategy which was widely circulated and discussed has been implemented to a considerable extent, and outstanding issues are to be addressed in the near future. There is still some room for improvement in policing style, particularly where the Police are required to deal with members of the public directly; there is still concern about the occasional lapse of professionalism but this should lessen as the checks and balances contained within the new procedures take place. Training is important as is the need for alertness and leadership by supervisors.

13.3 The operational competence of the BPS has also improved as evidenced by the dramatic fall in the general levels of crime. Again, it is hoped that the delegation of responsibility to local commanders will continue to ensure reduced levels of crime, whilst the more serious offences are investigated by specialist officers with appropriate expertise.

13.4 Those members of the community whom I met from business, tourism and the public, have in the main expressed support for the Police and agree with the development plans. They are heartened by the improvements in policing and there is wide support for the Commissioners initiatives. There is also a universally held wish to see more patrolling uniformed officers. The proposed increased level of community consultation through regional committees, will be an important element in the increased understanding of the community regarding policing problems, and should allow community needs to impact upon policing policy.

13.5 One sensitive issue remains the subject of debate. The future stewardship of the Bermuda Police Service. The appointment of an expatriate Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner was a difficult decision, but one which I believe to be justified by the amount of progress made in a short period of time. The Commissioner, and his deputy, were required to identify potential within serving officers to assume the top posts. It is recognised that promising individuals require specific development and exposure to management issues to determine whether they have the appropriate aptitude and experience for senior command.

13.6 This process continues and officers are being given the opportunity to rise to the challenge. I have met all available senior officers within the force. There are able officers who are fulfilling their role in an honest and competent manner. Amongst those officers are some who may develop into good senior officers, but this will take time. As yet no single officer has shown him or herself, in this short period of time, to have all the skills necessary to aspire to this most important challenge.

13.7 The role of Commissioner of Police, particularly in an Island force, is a critical appointment. Not only does that person need to be able to manage the force in its everyday working, but he/she needs to have the foresight and ability to be able to continue to take the force forward with confidence into the future.

13.8 Bermuda is a complex society with a mix of modern international business enterprises, growing international tourism, and a demanding community which expects the best of its Police Service. It would be wrong and most unfair to the individual, to propel an officer into the top ranks before he/she is ready. Such a move could set back the progress of the last few years and damage the progress of development and accountability. It is however imperative that the search for future Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner from within the force is continued with diligence. The preparation of that individual, however, is likely to take longer than originally anticipated.

13.9 I conclude my bi-annual inspection of the Bermuda Police Service in a more positive frame of mind than on my last visit. If progress continues as it is now the policing of Bermuda should be in excellent shape at the turn of the century.

13.10 I would like to offer my sincere appreciation to His Excellency, The Governor and his officials; to his Honour the Premier, his Ministers and officials, for reserving time for me in their particularly busy personal schedules. To the Opposition members, other representatives of the community, business and tourism; the Commissioner and his staff, I am most grateful for the excellence of our debate, the frankness of the discussions, and for the typical Bermudian hospitality and friendliness shown to me at all times.

Inspector General