NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – Bahamas Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles on Monday said that the Bahamas recorded a 14 per cent decrease in major crimes for the first half of this year, as compared to the same period last year.

Knowles, speaking at a news conference to deliver the Mid-Year Report of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), said that “I can report with confidence that our productivity levels are higher than they have even been before over the last six months.

Knowles said that when she took up her position in January “the frorce was at a critical juncture” and that ethical challenges and a lingering fear of crime tested the public’s confidence and “despite a reduction in crime at the end of 2024, these circumstances persist, demanding decisive action, strategic reform and a renewed commitment to ethical standards.”

She said the consistent fear of crime had made visitors and residents alike fearful of the country, but noted that the high visibility of the police helped in reducing such fears.

The top cop told reporters that notwithstanding progress in crime reduction, law enforcement officials are worried about rising mental health concerns.

She said that during the first six months of the year, eight suicide cases had been recorded, compared to five for the same period last year. She told reporters that suicide attempts rose by 39 per cent with 2025 midyear figures trending higher than previous years.

Knowles said crimes against the person dropped by 30 per cent, and traffic fatalities were down by 11 per cent. The police also reported a sharp increase in proactive patrols, with stop-and-search operations rising by 131 per cent.

Knowles said the improvements stem from a data-driven, community-focused policing strategy rolled out under the RBPF’s 2025 Policing Plan.

Police recovered 196 illegal firearms and more than 800 rounds of ammunition during the period, while 208 individuals were arrested for firearm-related offenses, with 143 cases proceeding to court.

“The transshipment of illegal drugs remains a challenge in the Bahamas due to our open waters and navigational routes. But, for the first part of the year, we were able to seize 2,961 pounds of marijuana…and 2,130 pounds of cocaine.”

She said 870 people were arrested and 680 formally charged, and the police continue to be concerned about edible cannabis products such as gummies and oil.