A New Era of Unified Security Barbados Launches Joint Powers of Arrest Training:
Barbados Defence Force and Barbados Police Service
Barbados Fortifies Its Security Framework with Historic Legislation and Joint Training Initiative
Barbados Defence Force Communications, Civil Military Affairs and Media publication Monday 6 October 2025
In a significant development for national security, the Parliament of Barbados has enacted the Police (Amendment) Bill 2025. This transformative measure grants members of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) police powers, but only during joint land-based operations with the Barbados Police Service (TBPS). This legislative change, grounded in Section 79A of the amended Police Act Cap 167, allows BDF personnel, when deployed under presidential directive according to Section 9(2) of the Defence Act Cap 159, to utilize the full powers, privileges, and responsibilities of police officers.
This strategic alignment between military and police forces marks a pivotal evolution in Barbados’ internal security framework. It is designed to enhance operational readiness, deter criminal threats, and effectively safeguard public order.
The opening ceremony for the inaugural Law Enforcement Training Course between TBPS and BDF marked the operational rollout of this new framework. The event gathered senior security leaders, legal experts, and tactical trainers to initiate a shared curriculum focused on legal literacy, human rights, and coordinated enforcement.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. Erwin Boyce, during his comments, stressed the importance of ethical enforcement and procedural clarity in maintaining public trust. He further elaborated on and highlighted the essential pillars of the Law Enforcement Training Course to be:
• A thorough understanding of human rights and lawful intervention
• Mastery of policy and legal frameworks
• Adherence to standard operating procedures for arrest
• Cultivation of alertness, vigilance, and teamwork as critical success factors
Chief of Staff Brigadier Carlos Lovell characterized the amendment to the Police Acts as a “historic move in the security framework of Barbados,” emphasizing its strategic intent to ensure the peace and security of all Barbadians. Brigadier Lovell’s remarks demonstrated a commitment to disciplined execution and the protection of civil liberties within a collaborative operational context. He implored the participants to understand and reflect on:
• The link between powers of arrest and mission clarity
• The necessity of applying these powers with integrity
• The importance of transparency to ensure legitimacy
• The need for clarity and precision in all operational actions
“It takes a network to defeat a network”
Admiral Kirt Tidd
Assistant Chief of Police Barry Hunte provided a practical perspective on merging military and police protocols. He acknowledged inherent procedural differences but advocated for their unification as a means of fostering national sustainability. Mr. Hunte’s comments underscored the significance of adaptive leadership and community-centered enforcement. His key points included:
• The shared responsibility of both forces in serving the public
• The inevitability of scrutiny and the importance of remaining mission-focused
• The necessity of cultural awareness and ethical standards
• The benefits of joint patrols and enhanced crisis response capabilities
The Police (Amendment) Bill 2025 and its accompanying training initiative represent a bold recalibration of Barbados’ security posture.
By legally empowering BDF personnel with police powers in joint operations, the nation is investing in a more agile, responsive, and unified force to address complex threats with legal clarity and operational cohesion. This initiative also sets a precedent for regional security collaboration, illustrating how legislative foresight, inter-agency training, and ethical enforcement can converge to protect democratic values and public safety.
As Barbados embarks on this new chapter, emphasizing human rights, transparency, and cultural sensitivity will be essential to ensure that this enhanced security framework remains effective and legitimate in the eyes of the public. The combination of military discipline with police authority, supported by rigorous training and legal safeguards, signals a new era of strategic security for Barbados. With clear objectives and unified action, the BDF and TBPS are well-positioned to provide a service that is not only operationally robust but also firmly rooted in the principles of justice, accountability, and national pride.