Some Team!
Joint Importation Squad
This was maybe an easy test for anyone who worked in or with this group, but we wanted to know who was in it , where were they working at the time, and when was it taken?
As you will see from the comments below, this photo is of the Joing Importattion, and we had no trouble having everyone in it identified. There was some discrepancy about when exactly the JIS was created, and we're indebted to George Rose for supplying the following information:-
"For the avoidance of doubt, and to be historically correct:-
The joint Police/Customs anti-importation squad (JIS), was conceived in late 1978 and became operational in early 1979 under my command. It operated out of the Narcotics office at Prospect.
The 'Report of The Bermuda Police For The Year 1979' states, in part: "The section has had continuing success in the detection of persons trafficking in drugs. Operations, both locally and overseas, have neutralized certain major sources of supply in Holland, Jamaica and the United States of America."
Other factors in the section's success were the formation of a joint Police/Customs anti-importation squad and cooperation from the Jamaican Constabulary Force and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration says the report.
The success enjoyed by the JIS led to what amounted to a Governor's Commendation in June 1980 when Acting Commissioner Bean wrote to the Narcotics section in the following manner:
'Expression Of Gratitude From H.E. The Governor'
'His Excellency the Governor has asked that his admiration, appreciation and congratulations be extended to you and your staff, for the splendid work which the Section is doing in relation to contraband drugs. It was his view, and the expressed opinion of several members of the community with whom he has been in contact, that the constant and systematic attack of the recently formed
Police / Customs Importation Squad was bearing fruition.
His Excellency asked that all officers be informed of his comments and wished them well in their future endeavours. Needless to say, I associate myself with his comments which are a credit to you and the Service generally. Well done.'
Early Customs officers of the JIS included Principal CO Boyson Christopher, CO Alan Bean and CO Gordon Phillips.
George Rose
OIC Narcotics 1978 - 1982
with additional re-appointments thereafter.
Editors note - Our website is intended to record the factual history of the Bermudas Police through the eyes of our own members, and it's great to receive this kind of information. Many thanks to George for his post, and to the guys who helped us identify those in the photo.
Joint Importation Squad (JIS)
Probably taken in early 1986 just before retirement of D/Insp John Willams
Top Row - Alan Wilcock, Dave O'Meara, James Smith (HM Customs), Kenneth "Doc" Bourne
Richard Flood, Lynn Smith (HM Customs), Hugh 'Peter Meade, Norman Wilson, Michael Wyllie.
Middle Row - Ewart 'Pat' Hamlett, Brian Russell, Alickson 'Alex' Severin, Cherie Bean,
Mike Jent, Ronald Green, Ian Coyles, Steve Rollin
Front Row - Norrell Hull, Elsa McKay (HM Customs), D/Insp John Williams, Caroline Hayes, Winston Esdalle