The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) has embarked on a transformative journey toward exercising police powers, as the inaugural Law Enforcement Training Course commenced on Monday. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with The Barbados Police Service (TBPS), is a direct result of the recently enacted Police (Amendment) Act 2025. The legislation grants BDF personnel the authority to perform police duties during joint land-based operations with TBPS and under presidential directive. The legal foundation for this expansion of authority is rooted in Section 79A of the amended Police Act Cap 167 and Section 9(2) of the Defence Act Cap 159. However, the move has sparked significant debate, with civil society groups, including the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), voicing concerns over potential abuses of power and the erosion of the police’s exclusive mandate to maintain law and order. Critics have highlighted risks such as arbitrary arrests and the militarization of civil policing. The training program, designed to address these concerns, emphasizes legal literacy, human rights, and coordinated enforcement. Deputy Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce underscored the importance of ethical enforcement and procedural clarity, while BDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Carlos Lovell hailed the legislative amendment as a historic step in Barbados’ security framework. Assistant Chief of Police Barry Hunte emphasized the necessity of unifying police and military procedures to enhance national sustainability, pointing to shared responsibilities and improved crisis response capabilities. The BDF has framed this initiative as an investment in a more agile and unified security framework, aiming to ensure the peace and security of all Barbadians.
Defence Force begins training for expanded police powers under new Police Act
