For many years, residents and businesses across the City have voiced a simple but critical concern: where are the police?

Visible policing is more than just a deterrent to crime; it is a cornerstone of public confidence. When officers are present on our streets, residents feel safer, visitors feel welcomed and businesses can thrive. Yet, despite repeated efforts by the Corporation of Hamilton to address this issue, visible policing in the City remains inadequate.

The corporation has not stood idle. Over the past five years, we have funded extra-duty police officers at a cost of more than $400,000 and even launched a Rangers Programme to provide a uniformed presence in the absence of regular policing. But without enforcement powers for our rangers, and with inconsistent participation from the Bermuda Police Service, these efforts could not deliver lasting results and were ultimately disbanded.

This is not simply a question of resources. Hamilton taxpayers are already paying for policing through their national taxes, same as every other resident and property owner, yet the corporation has been forced to subsidise additional patrols from its own budget. Even with this “double payment”, the consistent presence we need has not materialised. Despite generating some of the highest land-tax revenue per square mile on the island, Hamilton does not receive a proportional level of policing coverage.

The issue demands renewed focus. The BPS have a mandate to serve all of Bermuda, but Hamilton, as the island’s economic and social hub, deserves a dedicated, visible police presence. Without it, the sense of safety that underpins a vibrant city is at risk.

The corporation’s efforts to improve policing span decades. In 2001, Bermuda’s Criminal Code was modernised, repealing several vagrancy-related offences, including the old charge of “wandering abroad”. While progressive and necessary given the discriminatory way that such laws were historically applied, this change also removed tools once used to address antisocial behaviour in urban areas.

As these behaviours became more visible in Hamilton, the corporation responded. From 2006 to 2009, we introduced the Rangers Programme to establish a uniformed presence in the City. While the rangers patrolled the streets and assisted with minor issues, they lacked the legal authority to enforce laws and could not address the root problems.

Since then, we have worked continuously with successive police commissioners, government ministers, and even the Governor to press for stronger police visibility in Hamilton. There have been moments of progress, such as the extra-duty police officers programme, but these gains have been short-lived. Participation by officers has been inconsistent, and a sustained commitment from the BPS has yet to materialise.

One of the most visible consequences of this gap is the rise in vagrancy and antisocial behaviour. Aggressive panhandling, loitering and public disturbances have become daily challenges for businesses, residents and visitors alike.

Despite calls for more green space in the City, our efforts — through parks, benches and other amenities — have been undermined too often by vagrancy and related activities.

Our own City staff are being put increasingly at risk during encounters with aggressive individuals or tasked with cleaning unsanitary conditions, including human waste. Cleaning up faeces and urine is not something anyone should face as part of their daily work. It is unacceptable that this has become routine for some of our team.

Certain government ministries have looked to the corporation to address the vagrancy issue, citing its direct impact on cancelled cruise ship visits, reduced visitor enjoyment of the capital, and the resulting decline in revenue for City retailers, taxis and other services. While we are ready and willing to play our part, lasting solutions can come only from those empowered with the proper authority. Those in power may say that Bermuda is too small for two governments, yet at times they call upon us to enact measures that only they, as our national government, are authorised to implement.

It is important to correct a common misconception: the corporation cares deeply about the welfare of homeless and vulnerable individuals. However, we are not a legislative body; that responsibility lies with Parliament. We are not an enforcement agency; we rely on the Bermuda Police Service. And we are not a social services agency. Our role is to work alongside organisations equipped to provide food, shelter and rehabilitation.

The corporation’s primary responsibility is to create a city that is safe, livable and vibrant for all. We have used the two tools at our disposal — resources and influence — to meet that responsibility. But the habits of a lifetime are not easily changed, and we cannot succeed alone.

We urge the people of Bermuda to make their voices heard. Lobby your elected representatives and call for stronger, more visible policing in Hamilton.

We also encourage residents to support structured programmes, such as those run by The Salvation Army, which provide balanced meals in safe environments and connect individuals to national resources. A few dollars given directly to a panhandler may seem like kindness, but it often fuels the cycle of addiction and does little to create lasting change.

To that end, the corporation has established a special task force to examine these issues in depth and provide recommendations shortly.

Hamilton is the beating heart of Bermuda. It deserves a consistent, visible police presence to deter antisocial behaviour and reassure residents and visitors alike. It is time for the Bermuda Police Service, Government and the corporation to work together in a sustained and meaningful way to deliver what the people of Hamilton rightly expect: a city where public safety is visible, consistent and assured.

• Charles Gosling is the Mayor of Hamilton