Written by Erik J. Russell / BahamaIslandsInfo.com

At a press conference held Monday at police headquarters in Freeport, Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson announced that the newly appointed commander of police for Grand Bahama Island is Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames.

For the past year Mr Dames has participated in an intensive embedded training and experience stint primarily with police forces in Canada, including forces in Toronto and Montreal. He also spent time with forces in northern New York state in the city of Buffalo and the surrounding areas. Former Assistant Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade was also part of this international training opportunity.

In 2005, both Mr Dames and Mr Greenslade participated in strategic leadership training in the United Kingdom. At that time, then Commissioner of Police Paul Farquarson hinted at senior positions in the force for both officers in the future when he said, ?The leadership in any progressive organization must prepare the organisation for the future and we could only do that through training people and mentoring them in order for them to occupy the highest office in the organization.?

Mr Dames was in the Plainclothes Division as Officer-In-Charge in the central detective unit (1998-2007) and the drug reinforcement unit (1995-1998). His uniformed assignments included an attachment to the Detective Squad at Scotland Yard and he has held responsibility for the Bahamas? border and port security.

At Monday?s announcement Commissioner Ferguson said that the new assignment for Mr Dames was important for the force and for the island of Grand Bahama. The recent spate of incidents involving illegal weapons and the threat of drug trafficking were of greatest concern for the force.

The new appointment is part of the Government?s enactment of the recommendations of the Strategic Review Report which stated that there was an urgent need for ?? a leaner and fitter command chain which should ensure an appropriate development of responsibilities and provide senior and middle managers with more clearly defined roles and responsibilities.?

When asked about the Royal Bahamas Police Force?s reputation given the recent charges levied against police officers involved in illegal firearms, the Commissioner stated that the police force would deal with any and all charges in a swift and complete manner. While the charges can be a negative reflection on the force, the Commissioner said that the public should be encouraged to see that these matters are not ?swept under the rug? but are faced and dealt with as they should be.

The Commissioner encouraged all citizens to report any matters of concern regarding police conduct or behaviour that is not becoming of a police officer. He gave assurance that such matters would be fully investigated and addressed and that any of the senior officers of Grand Bahama can be trusted with any such information.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Dames said that he looks forward to working with the Grand Bahama police force and the entire community of Grand Bahama to ensure its safety and order.

Mr Dames? appointment is effective immediately.


Photo: At a press conference held at Police Headquarters in Freeport Monday, Commission of Police Mr Reginald Ferguson announced that Sr Asst Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames is the new commander of Grand Bahama. Mr Dames has spent more than a year working with Canadian and New York police departments, gaining knowledge in procedures and operations. Shown L-R: Mr Dames, Commissioner Ferguson and Chief Supt Emrick Seymour. Photo: Erik J. Russell / Keen i Media Ltd