The Chaplaincy

Of

The Royal Bahamas Police Force 
 

Chaplain

Rev’d Fr. Stephen E.R. Davies

The Chaplaincy of the Royal Bahamas Police Force was formally established with the appointment of Rev’d Fr. Anthony Roberts (former Member of Parliament and Diplomat) as the first official Chaplain 16^th January 1989. Fr. Roberts served until 17^th December 1994.  The Chapel was dedicated and named St. Michael & All Angels on Wednesday 11^th January 1990 by members of the Bahamas Christian Council; Bishop Ros Davis was President at the time.  St Michael the Archangel is the Patron Saint and Guardian Angel of Law Enforcement officers. 
 

Fr. Robert was followed by Rev’d Dr. Kirkly Sands, (January 1995 - August 2001) who also served as Education Officer.  Rev’d Dr. Tyrone McKenzie (a former Detective, DC1463) served as Chaplain and Education Officer during the period September 2001 – September 2002.  The present Chaplain Rev’d Fr. Stephen E.R. Davies assumed his duties on 1^st September 2002, and also serves as the Education Officer. 
 

The Chaplaincy offers spiritual, psychological, emotional and family counseling to officers and their families.  Officers who are sick are visited at home and in hospital. Officers are also offered counseling with financial matters. Assistance is also offered to officers desirous of pursuing further educational opportunities.  This would be similar to the Guidance Counselor in schools.  The Chaplain works very closely with the Force’s Human Resources Department, and Medical Orderly.  The Force is also fortunate to have the services consultant Psychiatrist (Dr. Tim Barrett) in an official capacity since 2004. 
 

Devotions are held on Tuesday at 12pm at St. Michael’s chapel; and Wednesday at 8.30am at the Police College Auditorium. At St. Michael’s Sgt.’s 994 Anthony Sands and 1643 Denise Rose volunteer their time to assist with conducting devotions and leading the meditations/homilies. At the College the same service is being offered by Sgt.1443 Practon Patton, Cpl’s 1624 Alexander Laroda, & 1923 Mario Murphy. In Grand Bahama Bishop Grant has refurbished a former police residence and converted it for use as a Chapel.  
 

One of the goals for the immediate future is to implement a volunteer Peer Counseling program.  Specially selected and trained officers will assist the Chaplain in bringing the services of the Chaplaincy closer to the officers scattered across our archipelagic Commonwealth.   The presence of the Chaplain at serious traffic accidents, crime scenes and other incidents helps to bring a sense of calm and normalcy to what is often a traumatic experience for officers and victims of crime. For example the Chaplain played a major role in the identification of passengers on the MV Sea Hauler following the mishap with the MV United Star, August 2^nd 2003. Fr. Davies had to console family members; and assisted the passengers with receiving counseling following the incident. 
 

The Chaplain also provides a safe haven for officers to unburden themselves of the trauma and stress they experience as a result of their often dangerous duties. The families of officers are also included. These are often overlooked; but they make the sacrifice of allowing their loved ones to place themselves in ‘the line of fire’ to make our country safe. 
 

All of the Chaplains are members of the International Conference of Police Chaplains; an organization that provides ongoing training and accreditation for its members.