By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force launched a three-day disciplinary workshop yesterday at police headquarters in New Providence, the organisation’s first event of its kind.

The workshop, themed “Strengthening Our Service From Within,” comes as part of a broader initiative introduced under Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles, who was appointed in January. 

It follows multiple incidents in recent years involving officers accused of excessive force and breaches of discipline.

Chief Superintendent Rodney Williams, president of the Police Court of Enquiry-Tribunal, said the force approaches disciplinary matters in line with law and policy. 

“We try, first of all, to hear the matter and determine it based on the law and also policy in terms of resolving the matter,” Mr Williams said. “We do not operate outside of the law. We operate within the law and policy.”

While Mr Williams said he could not provide a specific figure, he confirmed that several officers were currently before the tribunal.

Commissioner Knowles said the workshop was not reactionary but a strategic measure to reinforce internal discipline and leadership development. 

“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards enhancing the effectiveness of our judicial and inquiry process,” Ms Knowles said. “The theme of our workshop, Strengthening From Within, encapsulates the essence of our mission. It reminds us that the true power of our institution lies not in the external framework or regulations but within our own dedication, values and willingness to grow.”

She said the workshop was designed to identify new leaders for internal judicial roles and to reduce the existing backlog of disciplinary cases. 

“Please do not take this as three days of vacation,” she said. “Take this as a tool that we are using to identify those who are capable to run our courts of inquiry and to diminish the backlog in cases, but more importantly, to reach our young people and avoid cases before the tribunal.”

Superintendent Audley Peters, the workshop’s moderator, called the event a landmark for the force. 

“This workshop is the first of its kind,” Mr Peters said. “It was the brainchild of Chief Superintendent Rodney Williams and Inspector Timothy Bain.”

Inspector Bain said the Commissioner’s emphasis on education and internal improvement guided the workshop’s development. 

“It is the strategic vision of our Commissioner, and with the guiding hands of Deputy Commissioner Mr Kirk Andrews, that we find ourselves gathered here today,” Mr Bain said. 

“We will reaffirm our understanding of receiving and investigating complaints against police officers while understanding more intimately the role of the Police Court of Inquiry Tribunal.”

A mock tribunal hearing was conducted during the opening session. Charges were read against a fictional officer accused of using unnecessary violence against a civilian. 

The workshop continues through Wednesday, with attendance required for certification and participation seen as preparation for future roles in disciplinary leadership.