Last year the Bermuda Police Service investigated 3,719 crimes, the House of Assembly heard during updates on budgeting that include freeing up space for the courts in the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building.

The details came from Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, on Monday.

During his overview of the ministry’s budget, Mr Weeks highlighted nine murders on the 2024 crime log.

Seven occurred within a six-week period between May 24 and July 10.

The minister said: “The scourge of gang and gun violence continues to impact our community.

“We are now witnessing the first-generation gang members’ children coming of age and choosing to carry forward their fathers’ destructive legacy, often with greater levels of violence and disregard for community safety.

“This intergenerational cycle demands renewed intervention strategies focused on at-risk youth to divert them from this path.”

The minister added that police issued 6,942 traffic tickets and made 1,853 arrests in 2024, including 201 for impaired driving.

Officers responded to 461 road crashes or collisions, 128 of which involved serious injuries and seven that resulted in deaths.

Looking ahead, Mr Weeks said the Government had allocated $2 million for renovations at the police Prospect headquarters in Devonshire.

He explained: “It is the desire of BPS to move senior command and the Serious Crime Unit back to its base in Prospect.”

He said the move would phase out rent and other costs while allowing the courts the use of the fifth floor of Hamilton Police Station.

This project is expected to be completed by August 2026.

Police were also allocated $300,000 to purchase nine new vehicles, and $900,000 to replace network switches this year.

The minister praised officers, adding: “We know that public confidence is not just a metric, it is a foundation that enables everything they do.

“As they move forward with the plans and initiatives outlined, they do so with a firm commitment to transparency, accountability and genuine partnership with the people of Bermuda.

“When the community and police stand together, we create not just a safer Bermuda, but a stronger one.”