Two police officers in the Bahamas are facing serious charges and potential dismissal following a disturbing incident involving the inhumane treatment of a detained American woman. Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles confirmed the charges to The Tribune, though specific details were not disclosed. The incident, which occurred in July, was captured in a graphic video that circulated widely on social media, sparking widespread public outrage. The footage shows a half-naked Caucasian woman pleading to use a bathroom while officers appear to mock her. Racial slurs were exchanged during the ordeal. The woman was ultimately forced to defecate on the police station floor, with officers audibly reacting to the smell. The video, believed to have been recorded on a personal device rather than a police body camera, has raised concerns about the conduct and professionalism of the officers involved. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe emphasized that the recording violated Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) policy and underscored the importance of treating detainees with dignity. Attorney Christina Galanos, a detainee rights advocate, condemned the incident as a severe violation of the woman’s rights and warned of the lasting harm the viral footage could inflict on her life and reputation. She also criticized the officers’ failure to de-escalate the situation, calling it a reflection of a troubling lack of professionalism. The US Embassy has called for accountability, urging the RBPF to ensure such incidents do not recur. The case has drawn international attention, with concerns about its impact on the Bahamas’ reputation and tourism industry.
