Who is Shanta Knowles, the first woman tapped to become Commissioner of Police?

Shanta Knowles is named the new Commissioner of Police following the surprised resignation of Clayton Fernander in the wake of a US indictment of senior law enforcement officers.

Prime Minister Philip Davis announced Fernander’s resignation in the House of Assembly on Wednesday. This comes as public cries grow loud amid law enforcement officers’ indictment for conspiracy to transport cocaine out of the Bahamas and into the United States. The officers will stand trial in a New York court.

This is one of many allegations of corruption, plaguing the organization.

Knowles will be the country’s first woman Commissioner of Police.

Here’s what to know about her:

1. Before the new position, she was the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Grand Bahama & Northern Bahamas. She was the Commander of the Grand Bahama and Northern Bahamas Division.
2. Knowles also served as the press liaison officer in New Providence.
3. She has been a member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force for the past 33 years.
4. Knowles served 28 years in criminal investigation and has managed the sexual offenses squad and the Trafficking in Person’s squad.
5. During the period 2017-2020, ACP Knowles served as the Director of the National Crime Prevention Office.
6. She was the first woman to head the Criminal Investigation Department, where she was responsible for the investigation of major crimes in the country.