Nick Pedro dismissed after disciplinary panel found against him
Sacked: Nick Pedro, 32-year veteran of the BPS. File images
A superintendent has provided an explanation after he was dismissed from the Bermuda Police.
In a statement shared with Bermuda Broadcasting, Nick Pedro cited an “honest mistake” in connection with a search warrant.
The warrant was part an investigation – into two fellow police officers – which also involved a superintendent on secondment from the U.K..
Mr. Pedro says that unbeknownst to him, information submitted for the search warrant contained “inaccuracies”. He stresses that any notion that he had acted dishonestly or with bias had been found to be unproven.
In a statement on Friday, police said that the dismissal of the superintendent had taken place following a disciplinary hearing, and came after a panel found him, quote “guilty of conduct that was deemed incompatible with the high standards of integrity required for continued service within the BPS,” end quote.
Darrin Simons, Commissioner of Police stated: “This decision, while difficult, reflects our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity within the Bermuda Police Service. We recognize that public trust is paramount in our ability to serve and protect effectively.”
In his statement, Mr. Pedro describes what transpired: “I was found against by the Panel following an honest mistake when a fellow Officer was swearing the information for the Search Warrant. My colleague had asked me to attend with him before the Magistrate in support due to the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter. The allegation that I acted dishonestly was found to be unproven.
“The Magistrate himself confirmed many months ago that I had played no part in the application for the Search Warrant. It has never been suggested I did. However, as I was present, I should have informed the Magistrate that I was referred to in the application.
“This was not a dishonest mistake, albeit my honest omission was viewed seriously.
“I had incorrectly understood that by remaining mute during the application (so as to not be accused of having attempted to influence the process), I could not be accused of trying to influence that part of the process as I did not actively participate in the application at court.
“However with hindsight, I accept I had a responsibility to inform the Magistrate to address any perception of bias and my omission in not doing so breached the Standard of Integrity, and not Dishonesty. Any suggestion I was in any way biased was found to be unproven.”
Mr. Pedro concludes: “I am grateful as a born Bermudian with centuries of family ties to the island, to have served my community with distinction for nearly 32 years, and look forward to new and greater challenges.”
