From founding to modern day,

The Royal Bahamas Police Force is celebrating its own history as we count down towards independence. In this article provided by the force, the steps toward the creation of the modern force are detailed - along with the history of the leaders of the force since Bahamian independence.

IN THE 18th and 19th centuries, protection in The Bahamas was divided among three entities: the night watchmen, who protected homes and businesses; the West Indian Regiment, who cared for any serious breach of peace throughout the Bahama Islands; and the constables who worked under judges and justices of the peace.

After the abolition of slavery in 1838, Bahamian lawmakers saw it necessary to unite the separate system of the night watchmen and constables as one organisation.

Governor Sir Frances Cockburn conducted extensive research on law enforcement in England, and other British colonies, before drafting an Act which was later passed by the Assembly in February 1840.

where the Inspector General was not present on any particular island.

From the commencement of the Bahamas Police Force, several amendments have been made to this Act, since this type of policing was still in its beginning stages.

The dawning of the 20th century brought forth countless societal issues such as riots, a murder scandal, fires, and increased crime due to a growth of residents on the islands but the Bahamas Police Force persevered.

Adjustments in leadership were made in the organisation that helped counteract each challenge that faced the country.

In February 1966, after a visit from Prince Phillip to the islands, the prefix “Royal” was added to the Bahamas Police Force by His late Royal Highness.

Prior to the Bahamas’ independence in 1973, the now Royal Bahamas Police Force, which was still headed by British police officers, made many advances for the benefit of the country.

The dawning of the 20th century brought forth countless societal issues such as riots, a murder scandal, fires, and increased crime due to a growth of residents on the islands but the Bahamas Police Force persevered.

Under this Act, the Governor was authorised to appoint an Inspector General who would head a new Police Force comprising of several constables under their remit.

On March 1, 1840, the Bahamas Police Force was established with sixteen former slaves under the command of Inspector General John Pinder. The powers of the magistrate to supervise constables came to an end under this new Act but not permanently.

In later years, an amendment was made which granted the magistrate power to direct constables

One notable advancement was the opening of the Police Training College by Prime Minister Lynden Pindling on February 23, 1973.

The money for the building’s construction was gifted by the British government.

On June 1, 1973, the second notable advancement occurred which was the appointment of the first Bahamian Commissioner of Police, Salathiel Thompson.

On July 10, 1973, a grand display by the newly crowned Royal Bahamas Police Force was shown on Clifford Park.

The Union Jack was lowered by Sergeant Alfred Williams and the new Bahamian flag was raised by Sergeant Irvin Taylor, marking the inauguration of the Bahamas’ freedom.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force served as the forerunners of the celebrations, serving as a monument to the founding of a

Leaders Of The Force Since Independence

Salathiel Thompson 1973- 1980

After completing his education, Salathiel Thompson, who hails from the modest community of Bannerman Town, Eleuthera, entered the Bahamas Police Force on October 11, 1937.

He spent a considerable amount of time working in the Criminal Investigations Department as a prosecutor, serving as the officer in charge at the Southern Division before rising to the position of commanding officer of the Grand Bahama Division.

He attained the position

Gerald Bartlett 1981-1987

In Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama, Gerald Bartlett was born.

On October 10, 1946, he joined the Bahamas Police Force.

During his career, he served as an orderly at the government building, a clerk in the commissioner’s office, and an officer in command of the Canteen, the Central Division, and the Mobile Division. He held the positions of superintendent of New Providence, officer in command of the Traffic Division, and assistant in charge of the Grand Bahama District.

Bernard K. Bonamy 1987-1999

BERNARD Kenneth

Bonamy was born on Cat Island in Arthur’s Town. On April 1, 1945, he joined the Bahamas Police Force.

Mr Bonamy was a highly motivated employee who was always regarded as a top worker. He held various positions within the police department and participated in a wide range of workshops and training sessions. His ascent up the ladder of prestige ended in his appointment as police commissioner on November 21, 1987.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) organi- of Deputy Commissioner by October 1971, and on June 1, 1973, he was named as the First Bahamian Commissioner of Police. numerous advancements including the introduction of COMPSTAT. To effectively handle the volumes of data that the Force used to produce statistics, this technology included the creation and adoption of the AS400 Computer System. sation was one of his biggest accomplishments.

Throughout his tenure, he received numerous distinctions and awards, including the Queen’s Police Medal, the Colonial Police Meritorious Service Award, and the Long Service Award.

Additionally, he was approved as a Royal Victorian Order member. Her Majesty the Queen presented him with this honor during her visit to The Bahamas.

Mr Thompson also received the Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St. George and the Bahamian Order Merit in 1978.

Over the years, he developed a strong character for offering excellent service. He maintained a spotless image and stood out as a model of an upright police officer.

There were numerous distinguished awards and decorations given to Commissioner Bartlett.

He was elevated to the position of Deputy Commissioner in 1973, and he was named Commissioner of Police in 1981.

Commissioner Bartlett has been a police detective for 41 years.

He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal and the Colonial Police Medal by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and she also made him a Commander of the Victorian Order and a Commander of the British Empire. He received the Bahamas Sliver Jubilee Award for Law Enforcement from the country of The Bahamas.

To satisfy top-notch standards, Mr Bonamy also oversaw upgrades to the police control room, patrol cars, and communications system. He oversaw the BPF’s civilianisation as well.

During his time as Commissioner, he earned numerous honors and recognitions and made

During this time, the Cadet Corps was completely developed and expanded, and several senior officers graduated from the programme.