Thompson: RBPF’s canine unit members in quarantine

The entire canine section of the Royal Barbados Police Force has been placed in quarantine after one member tested positive, Barbados TODAY has learned.

Sources who spoke with Barbados TODAY on condition of anonymity, because they are not authorised to speak to the media, said there are more than 50 officers under quarantine.

Responding to this development, head of Government’s COVID-19 Communications Unit, Ambassador Elizabeth Thompson told Barbados TODAY moments ago that Attorney General Dale Marshall has confirmed that “one person in the unit tested positive”.

“So, out of an abundance of caution, the other members have been tested and quarantined until all the results are known,” Thompson wrote in a statement.

Ambassador Thompson said these are high-profile interfacing roles, and noted that the government is following careful measures and protocols to keep the unit and the public safe.

Our sources say the loss of these officers is creating a further strain on the RBPF.

The canine division, headquartered at District A Police Station, assists with crowd control, narcotics detection. The division also provides assistance at crime scenes. (AH)