Vincentian George Jackson to Retire as Commissioner of Bermuda Police Force

Bermuda – Vincentian George Jackson who has headed up the police service in Bermuda over the last four years as Commissioner is due to retire in mid-December.
Governor Sir Richard Gozney confirmed the retirement in a statement in which he paid tribute to Jackson, while Premier Ewart Brown also praised Jackson’s tenure at the helm of the force.
The Government House statement said a successor would be announced “within days”.
Sir Richard said, “I would like to pay a very warm tribute to Commissioner Jackson’s work over the last four years,as always, it has been a time of change and challenge for the Bermuda Police Service.”
The Governor said the police service has emerged much stronger at the end of Jackson’s tenure, thanks to a series of steps taken under his leadership.
“The numbers of policemen are up,” he said, “their salaries are up, their presence on the streets is up, the number of arrests which they are making is up and their use of the new Police and Criminal Evidence Act is showing tangible and quite exciting results.”
Sir Richard added, “the Commissioner or Police and I want to acknowledge the central role of the Bermuda government in enabling these positive changes to happen, through an increased Police Service budget and new legislation.”
Sir Richard added that he would prefer to see the top posts occupied by Bermudians or long-term residents rather than expatriates.
“I’ve not said there will never be a question of bringing in an expatriate but over the next few months, if we can do it from within the Bermuda Police Service, that will create a sounder basis for the Service,” he said.
Brown thanked Jackson for his contributions to public safety in Bermuda.
“His belief in policing in partnership with the community was evident; he will leave us with a base on which we can build. He has had a distinguished career in policing and, on behalf of the government and people of Bermuda, I wish him a long and healthy retirement,” the Premier said.
Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley said, “as far as public safety is concerned, Bermuda has got serious challenges, this is a critical time.”
“Whether it is a rising tide of gun violence, the continued proliferation of drugs or even inadequate prosecution of those apprehended, the men and women on the frontline of policing need the support and leadership to get the job done,” he said.