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.”