NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles Monday stated that the Bahamas recorded a 14 per cent lower in main crime for the primary half of this 12 months, as in comparison with the identical interval final 12 months.
Knowles, talking at a information convention to ship the Mid-Yr Report of the Royal Bahamas Police Drive (RBPF), stated that “I can report with confidence that our productiveness ranges are greater than they’ve even been earlier than over the past six months.
Knowles stated that when she took up her place in January “the Drive was at a important juncture” and that moral challenges and a lingering worry of crime examined the general public’s confidence and “regardless of a discount in crime on the finish of 2024, these circumstances persist demanding decisive motion, strategic reform and a renewed dedication to moral requirements”.
She stated the constant worry of crime had made guests and residents alike frightened of the nation, however famous that the excessive visibility of the police helped in decreasing such worries.
The highest cop instructed reporters that, however progress in crime discount, regulation enforcement officers are apprehensive about rising psychological well being considerations.
She stated that throughout the first six months of the 12 months, eight suicide instances had been recorded, in comparison with 5 for a similar interval final 12 months. She instructed reporters that suicide makes an attempt rose by 39 per cent with 2025 midyear figures trending greater than earlier years.
Knowles stated crimes in opposition to the particular person dropped by 30 per cent, and site visitors fatalities had been down by 11 per cent. The police additionally reported a pointy enhance in proactive patrols, with stop-and-search operations rising by 131 per cent.
Knowles stated the enhancements stem from a data-driven, community-focused policing technique rolled out underneath the RBPF’s 2025 Policing Plan.
Police recovered 196 unlawful firearms and greater than 800 rounds of ammunition throughout the interval, whereas 208 people had been arrested for firearm-related offenses, with 143 instances continuing to court docket.
“The transshipment of unlawful medicine stays a problem within the Bahamas as a result of our open waters and navigational routes. However, for the primary a part of the 12 months, we had been capable of seize 2,961 kilos of marijuana…and a couple of,130 kilos of cocaine”.
She stated 870 folks had been arrested and 680 formally charged, and the police proceed to be involved about edible hashish merchandise similar to gummies and oil.
