Latin American Military - Bahamas - Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF)

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Revised: September 3, 2007
Copyright © 1997-2010 by Jean Charles Barroux - jbarroux@LAMilitary.org

The Royal Bahamas Police Force is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order throughout the Bahamas Islands. This force evolved from the traditional British Constable system. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, visited The Bahamas February 27–28, 1966. It was the first time in history that a reigning monarch visited these shores. During this visit, the prefix "Royal" was conferred on The Bahamas Police Force. On March 7, 1967, the Police Reserve was established with a strength of 200.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force is a small paramilitary force of a 2,200 personnel strength, plus some 200 in the Reserve. For operational purposes, the Force is divided into three districts: New Providence, Grand Bahama and The Family Islands. Each District is made up of various Divisions and Sub-Divisions, which are headed by Gazetted Officers (Officers of the rank of Assistant Superintendent and above). In addition, there are a number of special areas and departments which fall within the portfolio of the Assistant Commissioner Management and Support Services. The Royal Bahamas Police Force currently also include the operation of the Fire Department. It is well equipped with modern small arms.

It operates only one aircraft, a Piper PA-31-325 Navajo C/R matriculated RBPF-1, which was impounded in 1993.

In February 2001 the U.S.A. turned over to the RBPF an especially constructed fast response interceptor boat to be used in the pursuit of drug trafficking go-fast boats. It was reported to cost US$ 212,000. This boat is operated by RBPF crews and is named "The Avenger" and serialed "Police Boat #1". A second boat was received in March 13, 2002 and the third in June 14, 2002, being called respectively "Police Boat #8" and "Police Boat #9". These last two are diesel-powered and might even be of a different model than the previous one.

The Bahamian DEU, formed in 1988, works closely with DEA on drug investigations since their mandate is to handle all inquiries relating to drug trafficking. It is a special force within the RBPF composed of 84 officers, including the counternarcotics strike force. It is well know for some operations conducted against RBPF and RBDF corruption.

Training is performed at the Bahamas Police Academy, which is located in Oakes Field, Nassau, New Providence, and it is at this institution that all recruits for the regular Police Service, Police Fire Branch, Police Band and Police Reservist are trained. The academy also provides a multitude of continuing training and evaluation programme for the Police Force, as well as security officers from various government departments.

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