By: Latonya Roberts
Journal Staff Writer

This month the Royal Bahamas Police Force celebrated 60years since women
were enlisted and to commemorate the anniversary, an All-Women CompStat
was held at the Paul Farquharson conference centre to highlight the
transformative years of female officers.
Police Press Liaison Officer Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings
acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the female officers then and
now.
“Women in law enforcement have contributed significantly to the growth and
development of the Royal Bahamas Police Force since 1964 to present. We as
women are honoured to be part of this noble organization especially as we
reflect on the contributions, determination and resilience of our predecessors
that have contributed to the changes and the privileges that we women
experience today.”
She also added, “since the enlistment of the first six women in 1964, the
limitations experienced have been eradicated. Women are positioned in every
area of the organisation, inclusive of the Force Garage, Fire Services, K9 Unit,
Information Technology, and Mobile Division, making valuable contributions.”
Although the meeting was spearheaded by females on the force, Deputy
Commissioner of Police Leamond Deleveaux stepped in to share a few words of
appreciation on behalf of all male counterparts on the force.
“We know that you will do well as you’ve always done and to those seniors on
whose shoulders which we stand, we appreciate you very much and we look
forward to your good health and continued support to the Royal Bahamas Police
Force.”
Also, in attendance to share her story and encourage those after her, was the first
Deputy Commissioner of Police Ismella Davis-Delancy, who retired in 2021.
Mrs. Davis-Delancy was the first of 21 girls under Assistant Commissioner of
Police Carolyn Bowe, the matron of the first all-female squad of 1983.
Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings also gave flowers to the first group of
women to take charge and create avenues for women of today on the police
force, she said, “I extend profound gratitude to the Sensational Six for their
unwavering resolve to stay the course and effect change for RBPF.”

Currently, there are 661 women on the Royal Bahamas Police Force, comprising
of 16 Chief Superintendents, 24 Superintendents, 45 Assistant Superintendents,
with 80% of the Control Room staff dominated by women. The control room
staff monitors CCTV and Spot Shotter, a technology that detects gunshots and
identifies the location of gunfire and alert police.
The original team of female police officers also know as the ‘Sensational Six’
comprise of Anita Bethel-Williams, Theresa Baker, Norma Clarke, Alsaida
McFall, Hildred McClain, and Esther Stubbs.
These six women began their journey in 1964, when they were chosen out of
122 applicants, later breaking barriers and paving the way for over 500 female
police officers.