Bahamas

AuthorGeorge Kurian
Pages189-190

Page 189

Official country name: The Commonwealth of the Bahamas

Capital: Nassau

Geographic description: Caribbean chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean

Population: 301,790 (est. 2005)

Bahamas
LAW ENFORCEMENT
History

The history of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) goes back to 1840 when 16 volunteers were appointed to patrol the town of Nassau. In the 1850s similar guards, known as privates, were appointed to the other islands. Toward the end of the nineteenth century a second force, the Bahamas Constabulary, was formed to undertake guard and firefighting duties. In 1909 the two forces were amalgamated into the Bahamas Police Force. After a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1966, the prefix was conferred on the force.

Structure and Organizatio

The headquarters of the RBPF is in Nassau on New Providence Island. The other islands are referred to as the Family Islands. The headquarters comprises eight sections: Administration, Criminal Investigation, Security and Intelligence, Fire Service, Training, Marine Operations, Communications, and the police band. Operationally, there are two districts: one on New Providence and the other on Grand Bahamas, each under an assistant commissioner. Each division includes, in addition to routine police sections, a prosecution branch, a CID, a traffic branch, and a radio and communications section. Regional police districts are headed by district constables who supervise police stations.

There are two auxiliary forces to aid the regular police. Police reserve units consisting of unpaid volunteers are established on the two main islands. On most other islands there are local constables who receive some training and work under the supervision of an inspector. They are paid and wear a police uniform.

The principal grades of police service are, from top to bottom, commissioner, deputy commissioner, senior assistant commissioner, assistant commissioner, chief superintendent, superintendent, deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent, chief inspector, inspector, sergeant, corporal, and constable.

Uniforms and Equipment

Officers above inspector grade wear dark-blue uniforms in winter and for formal occasions. A khaki bush...

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