Bermuda’s Police Service has begun a comprehensive Operational Training (OT) program, with seasoned firearms officers taking the lead in training new instructor candidates. The workshops, held at the Police Service’s training centre in St. George’s, focused on firearms safety, marksmanship fundamentals and tactical decision‑making.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the island’s internal security capabilities. By training officers in‑house, the Police Service aims to reduce dependence on overseas courses and ensure that instruction reflects the unique conditions and legal framework of Bermuda.

Training sessions covered a range of topics, including safe handling of hand‑guns and rifles, live‑fire drills, and the application of the island’s weapons regulations. Participants were also briefed on the latest best practices in crowd control and the use of non‑lethal options.

Senior firearms instructor, Sergeant‑Major Col. J. A. Smith, noted that the program not only hones technical skills but also reinforces the importance of community trust and responsible use of force. "Our goal is to equip officers with the knowledge and confidence to protect the public while upholding the high standards of Bermudian law," he said.

The Police Service plans to roll out the OT instructor certification across all departments by the end of the year, ensuring that every officer receives consistent, high‑quality training tailored to the island’s needs.