Commissioner Boyce Delivers First Address To Police Service

Newly installed Commissioner of Police Sonia Boyce today delivered her first official address to members of The Barbados Police Service, setting out her vision for a modern, trusted, community-centred and intelligence-led organisation committed to keeping Barbados safe.

Commissioner Boyce addressed a packed auditorium at the Headquarters of The Barbados Police Service Band at District “A” Station, Station Hill, St. Michael, during a general staff meeting attended by members from across the Service.

The address came days after Commissioner Boyce assumed command of The Barbados Police Service, becoming the first woman to lead the organisation in its 191-year history.

A noteworthy feature of the meeting was the announcement of two new acting Assistant Commissioners of Police, who now join the Senior Command Team alongside the recently appointed Assistant Commissioners and the two Deputy Commissioners.

Christine Standford, previously acting Senior Superintendent in charge of the Bridgetown Division, has been appointed acting Assistant Commissioner in charge of Special Operations.

Vernon Farrell, previously acting Senior Superintendent in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department, has been appointed acting Assistant Commissioner in charge of Crime.

In her address, Commissioner Boyce said she assumed office with “deep humility, a clear sense of responsibility, and great confidence” in the men and women who serve Barbados every day. 

She acknowledged that the past year had been one of the most challenging periods for policing, citing gun violence, public anxiety about safety, rapidly evolving technology, and rising expectations of transparency and accountability.

Commissioner Boyce thanked members of the Service for their professionalism and sacrifice, noting that their dedication, resilience and quiet excellence had helped to keep communities safe, support victims, uphold the rule of law and maintain confidence in Barbados as a safe and secure society.

She reaffirmed her commitment to the Service’s strategic direction and its “Community Focused, Service Driven” approach, stating that the philosophy remains right for communities, partners and The Barbados Police Service.

Commissioner Boyce said her vision is for The Barbados Police Service to be a modern, trusted, community-centred and intelligence-led organisation that earns and sustains public confidence, delivers consistently high standards of professionalism and integrity, and keeps Barbados safe.

She identified the Service’s priorities as strengthening public trust, preventing and detecting crime, reducing fear, protecting life and property, increasing meaningful police visibility and engagement, supporting the wellbeing and development of members, modernising policing systems and technology, and deepening partnerships with communities, agencies and civil society.

Over the next six months, Commissioner Boyce said she will engage directly with members at every level and in every division to shape a detailed plan to deliver on these priorities. These engagements will include station visits, town-hall style meetings, focus groups and virtual sessions to hear members’ views, concerns and ideas.

She also announced that change management expertise will be brought in and that internal capacity will be strengthened with additional specialist staff where necessary. Commissioner Boyce said the aim is not to create bureaucracy, but to ensure the Service has the skills, structures and support needed to deliver sustainable change that improves frontline policing and public service.

Recognising that change can create uncertainty and fatigue, Commissioner Boyce committed to communicating openly and regularly with members, explaining not only what is being done, but why it is being done and how it will help them perform their duties more effectively.

Commissioner Boyce thanked members of The Barbados Police Service and their families for their work, sacrifice and professionalism, and asked for their continued support, candour and best efforts as the organisation moves forward together. “I look forward to meeting many of you in the days and weeks ahead,” she said. (PR/GIS)