paulrolle

It was a surprising and spontaneous announcement.

Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle will retire from the police force this year after nearly 40 years of service.

His exit comes after nearly two years as the police chief.

The news has stirred speculation that Deputy Commissioner Clayton Fernander will succeed him at the end of his term. Though few expected his tenure to expire so soon after reassuring the public of an extended stay on the force, many anticipated his end was sooner since a new government was elected.

Here’s what you need to know:

Why is he retiring now?

Paul Rolle has been the Commissioner since 2020. He took on the role at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to navigate the pandemic and enforce the country’s COVID-19 measures.

While addressing reporters outside of a charitable event hosted by the RBPF, Rolle was asked about his tenure and unable to navigate the conversation, he blurted, “I met with the team this morning and I could say to you that I do intend to make my exit from the police force at some point. I will have 40 years and so I’m looking down the 40-year mark and I’ll make a decision on that in due course.”

He is four years away from retirement age but has already spent 40 years on the police force. An extension can be granted if the new government, the Progressive Liberal Party, really wants to.

Though governments dismiss that the appointment of commissioners is non-political, Bahamian history has shown that each elected government appoints police chiefs who align with their party’s philosophy and hasten the removal of those who do not.

In December, three months after the new government was elected, Rolle backed by Prime Minister Philip Davis sought to dismiss claims he would be replaced and said he had no plans to leave the Force. “I’m 56 and the Police Act says you could work until you’re 60, and the Pension Act says 65.”

What is Paul Rolle’s relationship with the present government?

Rolle was appointed Commissioner by the Free National Movement after the retirement of Anthony Ferguson.

During his tenure, he has faced public criticism for his management of the COVID19 rules which many deemed restrictive and unfair. Some street vendors like the Coconut boys were hauled before the courts for violating COVID-19 measures. It cast a negative light on the force at a time when many Bahamians were struggling to cope financially.

In addition, the killing of 6 men at once after their release from police custody and he labelling them as idiots, has caused mounting criticism.

When a new government was elected in September, the Progressive Liberal Party brought back senior officers sent on early retirement by the FNM, one being Fernander who the PLP later appointed deputy to Rolle.

What does his retirement mean for crime?

Rolle’s announcement comes at a sensitive time for the Bahamas when crime is surging as the country reopens its economy. Multiple murders a day and brazen shootings are on the rise and calls for a new approach to policing are becoming louder.

Rolle came up through the ranks of the police force with little street experience and more administrative experience. The opposite is true for Fernander who once a victim of crime when he escaped a near death experience during a robbery. He has risen within the ranks with the knowledge and experience necessary to deal with gangs and violent crimes.

Photo credit: Eye Witness News

Another suspect attempted to shoot at police in Grand Bahama resulting in the suspect being shot in the arm, before running in bushes where he was found injured by a police firearm.

Police Commissioner revealed that the suspect shot at officers, shooting out the police vehicle’s windshield. Officers later found a 7.62 AK-47 assault rifle in the vehicle of the suspects.

This accounts for a recent spate of police-involved shootings that saw 21 incidents recorded for the year.

Though this latest incident did not end in a fatality, 13 police shootings ended in deaths, while 8 were non-fatal.

“Thirteen idiots crazy enough to pull gun on my officers. Officers will not sit by and let someone shoot at them,” he said.

In recent days, some in the public raised concerns about the recent increases in police-involved shootings, but Rolle assured that he will reveal the facts and is transparent in his dealings.

“Whatever the information is, we will make it public. I will not cover [anything]. The pressure is on me.”

He acknowledged specific concerns for 5 of the cases which are being investigated by an internal committee based on concerns raised by the public.

He said after the internal review, he will make recommendations to the coroner.

What did PM Davis say?

Prime Minister Philip Davis addressed the issue of police-involved shootings before Rolle came to the podium. Davis said he is talking to Rolle and is concerned that the incidents can affect the public’s confidence in the organization.

State of Play

In 2020, twenty police-involved shootings were recorded and 11 suspects died; and for 2019, thirteen cases are on record and 8 suspects died.

The Coroner’s Office has been slow in adjudicating these cases. There remains only one coroner.

Following the dramatic viral video involving the arrest of a belligerent motorcyclist on Monday, Commissioner Paul Rolle awarded two police officers for their actions during a traffic stop.

Constable Tyrese Smith and Sargeant Travis Strachan were given the Commissioner’s Commendation Award and one thousand dollars for showing restraint and being their brother’s keeper.

The big story

Smith, who served two years on the police force, stopped a motorcyclist who was driving recklessly on Tonique Williams Darling Highway on Monday.

The motorcyclist struggled with the officer, pushing and hitting, as he worked to retrain him.

With a gun drawn, Strachan, who was offduty and served 12 years on the police force, ran through traffic to assist Smith in restraining the violent motorcyclist, as other motorists looked on.

What Commissioner Rolle said

Rolle said the video is indicative that police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep the public safe.

Rolle added that he was disappointed that motorists did not assist the officer as he struggled with the motorist, instead chose to record the event.

“This is not a movie. This is a real-life situation. I thought it was in poor taste to make a social event out of it,” he said.

Antivirus software developer John McAfee who once accused Bahamian officials of corruption was found dead in his Barcelona prison cell on Wednesday after Spanish courts agreed to extradite him to the USA to face tax evasion charges.

Spanish officials said McAfee committed suicide and attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

The pastor accused of “spurious ” claims against Police Commissioner Paul Rolle was arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court today, charged with intentional libel.

Dressed in a coat suit, Pastor Julien Johnson was escorted to court by two police officers, without handcuffs.

The arraignment was scheduled for 2 pm.

Why it matters

Nearly two weeks ago, Johnson in a social media post, accused the police commissioner of sexual assault against female members of the police force. Johnson stated that it was revealed to him in ‘the spirit.’

Rolle responded in a statement that he “takes the attacks on his reputation seriously” and had since reported the matter to the Central Investigation Department.

Johnson who is known for making spurious claims on social media, as the word from the Lord admitted that he often speaks out of turn.

After the investigation was launched, Johnson admitted, “I don’t always get it right. I don’t always say what’s right. My mouth gets the best of me. Everybody has a weakness. And my mouth is mine.”

The controversial pastor who made serious allegations against Commissioner Paul Rolle admitted that he often speaks out of turn.

Pastor Julian Johnson of Sanctuary of Grace International Ministries met with fellow clergyman Prophet Lawrence Rolle, known as the ‘Singing Bishop, to discuss a recent social media video where Johnson accuses the police commissioner of sexual misconduct toward female officers that he said was revealed to him “in the spirit.”

Johnson said, “I don’t always get it right. I don’t always say what’s right. My mouth gets the best of me. Everybody has a weakness. And my mouth is mine.”

Why it matters

Johnson’s meeting with Prophet Rolle comes after the allegations made by Johnson went viral, and Commissioner Rolle reported the matter to the Central Investigation Department for investigations.

COP Rolle in a press statement said he “takes these attacks on his reputation seriously.”

The big picture

Johnson has described himself as a ‘prophet of God’ and often creates videos revealing ‘revelations from heaven.’

Last year May, Johnson caused quite a stir when he created a video accusing Prophet Rolle of being “effeminate.”

Prophet Rolle then extended an olive branch to Johnson passionately exclaiming, “I love you and I want to thank you so very much…whether it’s love words or hate words. No, it’s not an easy road. I love you brother. I forgive you, brother.”

Watch the full video here: https://www.facebook.com/lawrence.rolle.908/videos/2857056901235120/?d=n

Commissioner Paul Rolle and members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force performed community outreach on Thursday, providing masks and bottled water to the residents of Windsor Lane and the surrounding areas.

Accompanied by the media, Rolle and his team walked through the community, encouraging residents to wear masks and stay safe during the pandemic.

Residents were receptive and expressed thanks to Rolle for the gesture.

This comes after residents expressed frustration over the recent 7-day lockdown that took many by surprise.

After the order was implemented by Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on Tuesday, that area highlighted frustrated Bahamians who voiced their displeasure with the lockdown , with many saying they were not prepared with groceries and food items.

A rowdy crowd hurled bottles at police vehicles, when police patrolled the area during the upheaval.

When the media asked Rolle to respond to Tuesday’s incident, Rolle said today, “We are a nation that follows laws. I encourage everyone to abide by the laws. This pandemic is not just for the police. It is for everybody.

“Our message today is wear your mask, practice social distancing. We have to do our part to ensure everyone is safe.

“I have a duty to deal with civil unrest, wherever and whenever. We have a duty of care to make sure the people are safe,” Rolle said.