Assistant Commissioner Antoine Daniels: Police are taking this incident seriously, [but] a single incident does not indicate a broader increase in criminal activity or an ongoing threat to the community.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels of the Bermuda Police Service issued the following statement.
Following the wide circulation of footage on social media and other platforms relating to a recent home invasion in Hamilton Parish, we recognise that some residents have expressed concerns about both community safety and elements of the police response.
It is important to provide context regarding the excerpts of video/audio being circulated, which include a police control room officer speaking with the individual reporting the incident. Speaking with victims and callers in real time is a critical part of the police response. These conversations are designed to gather as much accurate information as possible, such as descriptions, location details, and immediate risks to ensure responding patrol officers receive the most appropriate and timely information.
In this incident, patrol officers were deployed while the control room officer remained engaged on the call. The ongoing communication did not delay police action; rather, it supported it by enabling officers on patrol to respond with clearer situational awareness.
We understand how incidents particularly when shared widely online can heighten fear and concern. At this time, there is no indication that this was a random act.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels stated that while the Bermuda Police Service is taking this incident seriously, a single incident does not indicate a broader increase in criminal activity or an ongoing threat to the community.
The Bermuda Police Service remain committed to transparency, effective response, and keeping the community informed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through reliable sources and to continue working with police to help keep our community safe.
The Bermuda Police Service is encouraging persons with any information regarding this incident to contact Detective Sergeant Foote, a police officer you know, or the Confidential Crime Stoppers Hot-Line at 800-TIPS (8477).
