ESTABLISHMENT
The Royal Bahamas Police Reserve was established in
Legislation by the Bahamas Government under the
provisions of Part ten (10) of the Police Act, and was formed and came into effect in 1965.
Police Reserve Office, East Hill Street, Nassau Bahamas
FUNCTION
The Police Reserve was established for the purpose of assisting the Royal Bahamas Police Force in the maintenance of Law and Order within the Bahamas, the preservation of peace, the protection of life and property, the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders and the enforcement of all Laws with which the Force is charged.
HISTORY
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August 3rd, 1965 the first squad of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Reserves were commissioned. This squad consisted of fifty nine (59) men. They were all British subjects, the majority of whom were ex-servicemen.
Independence for the Bahamas in 1973 also marked history in the Police Reserve. Ten Acting Sergeants were confirmed as Sergeants. The first two female Reserves, Verona Bastian and Lucy Watson were enlisted with fifty-one (51) men.
February 1st, 1974, another historical event occurred, R/Sergeants 2 Charles Austin and 49 Maceo Cockley were promoted to the ranks of R/Inspector. July 1983, these two officers, captured the attention of the media and fellow officers, when they were promoted to the rank of R/Assistant Superintendent of Police.
FACTS
In 1974 on the island of New Providence, a squad of forty-nine (49) males and eleven (11) females passed out. In 1975 on the island of Freeport, Grand Bahama a squad with two (2) females passed out. Since 1973, every squad has enlisted both male and female recruits. Among the eleven (11) females that passed out on June 14th, 1974 was Lillian Lobosky now at the rank of R/Assistant Superintendent of Police.
On April 9th, 1993 the rank of R/Corporal was incorporated into the Reserverank structure. Presently the rank of R/Assistant Superintendent of Police is the highest rank in the Police Reserve. The majority of Police Reserves are professionals and career oriented persons who come from a cross section of the Bahamian society. These persons are employed in the private sector, and various government departments, some are also entrepreneurs.
The strength of the Police Reserves in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, presently stands at over eight hundred (800) officers. As the Royal Bahamas Police Force under the leadership of its Commissioner, Mr. Paul H. Farquharson , play a pivatol role in the every day operations and execution of police duties and law enforcement. The many officers who make up the Reserve Body are a committed and enthusiastic group, honored to serve their country. The Reserve Section of the Royal Bahamas Police Force is a well oiled machine.
COMMANDANT
Mr. Richard M. Gardiner, chief Superintendent of Police is presently Commandant of the Police Reserve.
Past Commanders,formerly referred to as Officer-In-Charge (O/C), were Mr. George Lavell, Mr. Wenzel Granger, Mr. Harold Cole, Mr. Samuel Davis, and Mr. Alan D.Gibson QPM,CPM.
POLICE RESERVE BAND
Formerly a community outeach program and called The Police Reserve Community Band, the most recent addition to the Reserve Body is the Reserve Band, coming into existence on August 3rd, 2005. This versatile band performs concerts, marches, community functions and much more, and also boast of a pop band segment. This band serves to perform as directed to the needs of the Police Reserves, Community, and The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band.
Requests for the band can be made through this web-site or by contacting the Police Reserves Office.
