Lashley says police reform plan moving ahead

A major restructuring of The Barbados Police Service is underway to boost frontline numbers, digitalise operations, and rebuild community trust, Minister of Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice Michael Lashley has announced.

Speaking at the ceremonial parade to commemorate the appointment of Sonia Boyce as the first female police commissioner, the minister revealed that civilian staff will assume responsibility for several administrative departments, which will allow more police officers to be deployed to frontline duties. A specialised consultant has been engaged to address internal capacity gaps and modernise case management.

“The environment in which The Barbados Police Service is operating has changed considerably and continues to change rapidly,” Lashley warned. “The criminal element is just as informed and well-equipped as those whose job it is to interdict them.”

To address this evolving threat, the minister said the force is embarking on a digital transformation initiative to strengthen investigative capabilities and support intelligence-led policing.

Officers can also expect a major infrastructure overhaul, with new state-of-the-art police stations planned for construction at Six Roads, Black Rock, and Holetown over the next few years.

The announcement coincided with the formal acclamation of Sonia Boyce as the first female Commissioner of Police in Barbados, a milestone the Minister said has “broken the glass ceiling”.

Pledging his ministry’s full support, Lashley expressed total confidence in the new chief’s “vast knowledge of the law” and “vast knowledge of policing procedures”.

He also used the occasion to thank outgoing Commissioner Richard Boyce and former Deputy Commissioners Irwin Boyce and Ian Branch for their dedicated service and wished them an enjoyable retirement.

Addressing widespread public anxiety over an increase in violent gun crimes and illegal weapons, Lashley assured citizens that robust prevention strategies are actively being deployed island-wide, backed by legislation to tackle gangs and guns.

Closing his remarks with a direct message to the new chief, the minister said: “Commissioner Boyce, Barbados is proud of you. You have gone down in local police history, inspiring not only women, but young people and generations to come.”