Services

Bimini's police stations are able to offer the people of Bimini a wide range of services. While the police service is dedicated to maintaining the peace and ensuring that everyone feels secure in both their person and property, each station also offers several specific services:

MAKING A COMPLAINT
We are here to help you whenever you feel you have been wronged. We take your complaint seriously.
When you call or visit the police station to make a complaint the following information should be useful for you.
To learn more about "Making A Complaint" please use this link:

http://www.royalbahamaspolice.org/services/Making%20complaints.php

POLICE CHARACTER CERTIFICATES   These certificates are issued to persons who require such a document for employment or travel purposes. The fee is $2.50 and you must present your passport or a birth certificate or voter's card to acquire a certificate. The actual certificates can be processed within 48 hours. The certificate is valid for six months. If you need your character certificate for travel, plan ahead and request it well before you travel. Non Bahamian citizens can also request a Character Certificate but the processing of the certificate can take up to 14 days. A passport is required.

VEHICLE INSPECTIONS   Police officers on North Bimini and South Bimini are able to inspect your vehicle for licencing. You must present a valid certificate of insurance. While the actual licence and the fees associated with licencing your vehicle are handled by the Road Traffic Department in the District Administrator's Office, the police will inspect your vehicle for road worthiness and safety. Prior to presenting your vehicle be sure all the lights and signals are working. Also, your horn must be working and your windows cannot be tinted to the extent that the interior of the vehicle cannot be seen clearly from the exterior. Keep your vehicle licence, driver's licence and insurance up to date. The penalties are far more expensive than the licencing fee.

DRIVER'S LICENCES   The police station on North Bimini is able to arrange for driver's road tests. You must be 17 years old to acquire a provisional driving permit and at least 17 to get a regular driver's licence. Prior to the required road test you must possess a Provisional Driving Permit issued by the Administrator's Office. The fee is $10.00.  This licence allows you drive providing a fully licenced driver is sitting next to you. Some call it a "learning permit" Once you feel ready for your  road test contact the Administrator's Office to write your driver's examination and if you are successful contact the police station for a practical road test. Commonwealth citizens and foreign persons residing in The Bahamas for an extended period need to acquire a Bahamian Driver's Licence. Holders of valid Commonwealth and foreign driver's licences are not required to take the road test. Contact the District Administrator's Office for this service.

LOST PASSPORT   Your passport is a very valuable government document. While it bears your name it does not belong to you. It is the property of the Bahamas Government. If you lose it or have it stolen report it immediately. The police officer will take a written statement from you concerning your passport's loss and the circumstances surrounding its loss or being stolen. After an investigation a police report may be issued to the Passport Office indicating that the police enquiry into the matter is complete and recommend that a new passport be issued. The investigation can take weeks or even months. The Government wants to be sure that the passport is indeed lost, damaged or stolen. The police want to be satisfied that you or another person did not sell your passport, which is a very serious crime, or that you were not simply careless with it. Your passport is a precious document. It is wise to make a photocopy of the information/photo page of your passport and keep it in a place different from where you secure your passport. This can help in the acquisition of a new book should yours be lost or stolen. Secure your PASSPORT  in a safe place when you do not require it. Never allow another person to have possession of it. Do not leave it with anyone. Treat it very carefully. Only after an exhaustive investigation will you be able to get another one.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT BEYOND THE BLUE LAMP

PRESENTATIONS ON MATTERS RELATING TO POLICING

Speaking to local groups, either service organisations, church groups, or schools is considered an important component of a police officer's responsibility.  Discussing topics important to the Bimini community that relate to island policing, the police officers here, and the community can forge much needed partnerships that will help reduce crime and keep the community safe. Topics such as Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Driving Safety, Fire Safety, Water Safety, Home and Business Security are some of the topics that Bimini's police officers can discuss and present. If you  want a police officer to speak to your group contact the Alice Town Police Station and speak to the Officer-in-Charge.  347 3144

Officers visit the schools regularly

Police Officers make regular visits to the island's schools to talk about traffic, fire and water safety issues and also about the dangers of drug use. Officers also speak to students on aspects of the law and the criminal justice system.   If you want a police officer to speak to your school, church or civic organisation contact the Officer-in-Charge Alice Town Police Station at 347 3144

The police in Bimini are active in organising and promoting after school athletic programmes for the island's young people. For eight years the police organised after-school basketball and volleyball games.

 Speaking to members of the public in community meetings or to school and church groups is an important service provided by the police in Bimini. These sessions help the police service respond more effectively to the immediate concerns of the community.