“I have spoken to the Commissioner and Acting Commissioner about the protests outside the House of Assembly and the police response to those protests. They have assured me they are conducting investigations into what took place. There is an investigation underway into assaults on police officers where files are being prepared for charges to be brought. At the same time there is an investigation underway into complaints brought against police officers and these will be referred to the Police Complaints Authority. The Police Complaints Authority provides independent oversight of complaints against the police and can independently conduct investigations. Anyone who wishes to make a complaint can do so through the Professional Conduct Unit or on-line through the PCA website.
The Commissioner has also undertaken to provide me with a briefing note about police public order response capabilities more generally, including where appropriate any resource or training needs which will assist the Bermuda Police Service in responding to any similar incidents in the future.
It remains my hope that calm will prevail and that all parties concerned will take constructive steps to resolve current differences in a peaceful fashion in line with Bermuda’s democratic tradition.”