Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis attended the handing over ceremony of the Commissioner of Police this past Friday where he delivered remarks.

Mr. Davis told those in attendance, “I’ve said it before, I say it again, the people of this country deserve institutions they can trust.  Without trust this very foundation of our democracy and public safety begins to erode.  I know that too many trust in our police force has been shaken.  Stories of misconduct, corruption and lack of accountability have left a stain that cannot be ignored and let me be clear ignoring these realities serve no one, not the officers who wear the uniform with pride, not the communities who depend on their service and not the leadership tasked with overseeing them.”

The Prime Minister said that actions of a few will not be allowed to tarnish the reputation of the country and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.  “Those who think they can hide behind a badge and engage in wrong doing there’s no place for you in this force.  We will have zero tolerance for those who do not wish to be accountable.  Our commitment to rooting out corruption is not just about cleaning house, it is about safeguarding the honour of this institution and restoring the trust of the Bahamian people.  The people of this country deserve a police force they can respect. One the operates with integrity and transparency and one that stands firmly against any abuse of power. As leaders it is our responsibility to  send a message not just within the ranks of the Royal Bahamas Police Force but to every institution in this country, that message is simple, accountability is non-negotiable.”

Prime Minister Davis announced the resignation of former Commissioner Clayton Fernander in early December 2024.  The handing over ceremony marked the appointment of the first female Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles.