HISTORY OF THE POLICE RESERVE
by
W/R Insp. Joycelyn Rolle
The Police Reserve of the Royal Bahamas Police Force was established under the provision of Part X of the Police Act for the purpose of assisting the Force in the maintenance of law and order, the preservation of peace, the protection of life and property, the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, and the enforcement of all laws with which the Force is charged.” The Police Reserve performs such duties as the Commissioner may from time to time direct and a member of the Reserve, while on duty shall have, exercise and enjoy the same powers, authorities, advantages and immunities as a member of the Force and be liable to the same duties, responsibilities and discipline.
The establishment was fixed by the Legislature and consists of such number of Gazetted Police Officers, Inspectors, Subordinate Officers and Constables as may be considered necessary to discharge its supportive role.
Police Reserve Officers are professional career men and women who are normally employed in government departments, the private sector, and some are self-employed. These persons come from a cross section of the society and bring to the force their expertise, maturity and business acument which enables them to contribute tremendously to the smooth operation of this unit.
The first official recruitment for the Police Reserve began in August 1965 when the first squad of recruits, consisting of fifty-nine (59) men, successfully completed the course in police work. The majority were World War II veterans. In 1966 another squad of twenty-nine (29) men graduated from Grand Bahama.
In March 1967 the Cabinet voted to increase the strength of the reserve and over the years the number has increased steadily more so as the organization assumed additional responsibilities.
In 1973, Independence for The Bahamas was a turning point in the history of the Reserve. Ten (10) Acting Sergeants were confirmed to Sergeants and the first two (2) female Reservists, W/R/194 Verona Bastian and W/R 195 Lucy Watson, were recruited together with an additional fifty-one (51) males. Since 1973 every squad has been comprised of both male and female officers but the majority has always been the former.
In February 1974 another historical landmark was established when R/Sgt. 2 Charles Austin and R/Sgt. 49 Maceo Coakley were promoted to the rank of R/Inspector. Both were later promoted to the rank of Assistant Commandant in July 1983. In July 1993 W/R/ Inspector Lobosky was promoted to become the first W/Assistant Commandant of the Reserve, a post she holds today.
In an effort to expand beyond New Providence and Grand Bahama, the Police Reserve began recruitments in various Family Islands and was successful in the following: Abaco, Eleuthera, Inagua, North Andros, Long Island, Cat Island, Exuma/Bimini, Fire Fighters and South Andros.
Training is ongoing in an effort to keep officers abreast of the changes and techniques required to combat the increase of crime in all areas. Many have benefited from local and overseas courses in firearms, defensive driving, diving, photography and more recently Public Order and Fire-fighting.
On 31st August, 2001 the Royal Bahamas Police Reserve held its first one (1) day Police Reserve Conference at the Holiday Inn Hotel, West Bay Street under the theme “THE WAY WE WERE, THE WAY WE ARE AND THE ROAD TO THE 21ST CENTURY”. Topics included: “Welfare and Social Services”, “Domestic Violence/Community Policing”, “Preparing for Elections”, and “Intelligence Lead Force”. After each session, there was a Report and Reflections session.
In October 2002 a contingent of approximately forty-five (45) Police Reserves from New Providence and the Family Islands headed by Superintendent, Richard Gardiner travelled to Bermuda to attend the Reserve Police World Conference. This organization was formed by a group of individuals who share a common vision for an association that crosses nation borders to
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advance the cause of reserve policing in our communities. At this Conference, Superintendent Gardiner was elected Vice Chairman of the International Association of Reserve Police Executives (IARPE) and ASP John Rhodriquez as an Executive Member. This is a great accomplishment for the Reserve but most of all the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the people of The Bahamas.
In October 2003 the Royal Bahamas Police Reserve hosted the first ever International Police Reserve Conference between 19th – 25th October, 2003 at the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, West Bay Street under the theme “Expanding the Globe in the Spirit of Peace, Love and Unity”. At this conference we shared experiences and concerns and also addressed issues facing law enforcement throughout the law enforcement family. On Wednesday 22nd October the group visited and toured Grand Bahama and on Thursday 23rd October, toured the island of Eleuthera. This has afforded the Bahamas and the Royal Bahamas Police Force the opportunity to promote the Force and our beautiful country called “The Bahamas”.
Reserve Officers are attached to all areas of the Force: Control Room, Police Band, CDU formally CID, Scenes of Crime, Drug Enforcement Unit, Firearms, Traffic, Warrant, Harbour Patrol, Police College, Echo Base-Mobile Patrol Unit, Complaints and Corruption Branch, Fire Branch, Urban Renewal Project (Community Policing) and all Divisions and formations throughout The Bahamas.
The accomplishments recorded here are but a sample of the skills and talents, which the reserve contributes to the Police Force on a daily basis. The officers, of all ranks, are proud to give themselves in service to their country and the Royal Bahamas Police Force. As the Royal Bahamas Police Force improves to meet the challenge of tomorrow, the Reserve will play a vital role in the execution of its duties for they are also charged to preserve the security of their country and the safety of its citizens and those who visit our shores.
Mr. Wenzil V. Granger, O.B.E., Commandant
Mr. George C.A. Lavelle, O.B.E., Q.P.M., Administrative Officer
Mr. Harold A. Cole, D.S.P., O/C Reserve
Mr. Samuel C. Davis, D.S.P., O/C Reserve
Mr. Grafton Ifill, A.C.P., O/C Reserve