NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – Former Royal Bahamas Police Force Assistant Commissioner Paul Thompson died at 96. Thompson, born in Trinidad and Tobago, was 23 years old when he saw an advertisement in the Trinidad Guardian recruiting young men for the police force in The Bahamas.
He later said it was the best decision of his life to apply for it.
Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander called him “a hero” at his 95th birthday celebration in 2022, and he also said that he was a legend who had made a significant impact on many police officers.
Thompson was also widely regarded as a cornerstone of the Bahamian police force, both during his service and in retirement.
Among the changes he introduced was the ability for Bahamian officers to train overseas as part of efforts to improve the quality of the force. He also kept his Trinidadian connections alive by bringing musical artists from there to The Bahamas to perform.
Following his years in the police, he ran a private security company while continuing to contribute to the debate on how to fight crime.
Thompson, described as “the quintessential police officer,” died on Wednesday.
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