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:

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 Bahamians 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 Adminisrator's Office for this service.

Officers at the Alice Town Police Station.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT BEYOND THE POLICE STATION

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 Chief Inspector Mortimer who is 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.

RSgt R473 Michael Checkley speaks to a community group.

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

MEETING WITH THE COMMUNITY

Chief Inspector Kevin Mortimer speaks with the people of Bimini during a community forum to discuss island policing and the issues and challenges facing the island. The police also meet with the people through foot patrols, community programmes and public forums.

Chief Insp Mortimer together with Cpl Stacy Rolle meet with Mr Frank Cooney of Bimini Sands Resort and Marina. Bimini Sands, located on South Bimini, is a major condominium and resort development that employs many Bimini residents. Mr Cooney has been honoured by the Governor General and the Royal Bahamas Police for his sustained commitment to the community of Bimini and to the police.

WORKING WITH OTHERS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS

Cpl 1277 Sweeting and Bimini Administrator Sherrick Ellis meet with Social Services Officers Ferguson and Humes to discuss problems impacting the lives of some persons who are before the Court system for various matters. "We want to be helpful to people", said Sweeting.

The policing philosophy in a 21st century police service is to find ways to prevent people from making mistakes that bring them to the attention of the police and the courts. "Working in harmony, with pastors, educators, social workers and families we can bring together the resources of several components within the community to help solve problems, especially problems with young people," said Corporal Sweeting. Social Services officers meet frequently with the police to work on solutions for domestic issues facing many families. "Together, we hope to make a difference, even if it is a small one." he added. "Preventing problems, especially criminal ones, is our goal and preventing problems from escalating to the extent that the public peace is severely breached is a real priority. All of us working as one can be effective in problem solving." said Sweeting. "Effective policing today requires a working partnership with the community, its leaders, agencies, churches and schools." he added.

The police in Bimini and social services personnel are currently working with the public school by participating in a programme for several students who have been listed as "at risk" for potential problems which could lead to police intervention and their involvement with the court system.