Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce called on members of The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) to redouble their efforts in tackling gun violence, describing it as one of the island’s most persistent problems, even as he praised officers for recent successes.
Speaking at the constabulary’s annual awards ceremony on Tuesday at the Barbados Police Service Band headquarters, Commissioner Boyce congratulated award recipients and commended the wider organisation for its service to the country.
“I want to congratulate each and every one, those who are present and those who are not here,” the commissioner said, stressing that no member’s contribution had gone unnoticed. He reminded officers that policing in Barbados extends beyond crime‑fighting to service and care for the wider society.
“We are a service‑oriented organisation,” Commissioner Boyce said. “Each and every member must be of service to the country as a whole… looking after the problems, concerns and worries of members of society.”
He noted that while crime response remains central to policing, officers must also be mindful of everyday issues affecting communities. “It is not only a matter of dealing with criminal events,” he said. “It is also those soft things within society… the small thing of helping a person cross the road, a neighbour complaining about dogs barking the whole night. It is responding to all aspects of complaints from members of the public.”
But the police chief placed strong emphasis on the force’s ongoing battle with firearm‑related offences, describing it as a long‑standing challenge.
“Members of the organisation, and no doubt the country in general, would have realised that we have been dealing with a troubling situation, that is the whole aspect of firearm‑related issues,” he said, calling it a “perennial problem” the force has had to confront repeatedly.
The commissioner acknowledged that there were times when policing gun crime felt like a “revolving door”, but said the service had regrouped, implemented strategies and achieved results.
“We gathered our energies, came together and put strategies in place to address those situations, and by far we have been successful,” Boyce said. He pointed to consistent arrests in serious offences, including murders and robberies, as evidence of that progress.
“We have been very, very regular in arresting persons who will be committing those types of crimes,” he added, praising officers tasked with tackling violent crime for “coming out on top”.
The commissioner also conveyed appreciation from senior leadership and the wider government. He said the senior command team, along with officials such as the Attorney General, extended their thanks to members of the force “who have done such a good job”.
But while commending past and present efforts, he made clear that the work is far from over. He urged officers to remain focused and proactive.
“Now is the time for each and every member to get into communities,” Commissioner Boyce said. He called on officers to build stronger relationships across business districts and residential areas, forming bonds and partnerships to address national challenges collectively.
“Come back tomorrow and the next day and continue doing the excellent job that we expect,” he urged, stressing that community engagement would be critical as police and citizens “join hands” to confront gun crime and other issues facing the island. (SB)
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