Shanta Knowles officially became the first female Commissioner of Police in a handing over ceremony held at Police Headquarters on January 3rd.   Knowles subsequently announced the promotion of six senior officers on January 9th via press release.

Accompanied by Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe, Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip recently visited Police Headquarters where he met with the new leadership team of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Among the topics discussed was the proliferation of gangs in the country.  He said, “gangs are a cancer on our communities, preying on vulnerable, fostering fair and fueling violence. We will not tolerate their existence and each of you should commit yourselves not to tolerate it.  Using the full strength of the anti-gang legislation I expect a hard crack down on these criminal networks.  Our mission is not only to disrupt their operations but to dismantle them entirely.  We will root out gang leaders.  We will dismantle their financial networks and ensure those responsible face the full force of the law.”

The Prime Minister also spoke to gang recruitment saying he wants it addressed through enforcement and the strengthening of the Urban Renewal Program.  “Of course, the school policing is a huge and important initiative in this regard.”

Mr. Davis told the top brass of the police force that prevention is just as important as detention and prosecution.