Crime

Sex Crime Unit: The Voice for the Victims

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Sexual Offences Unit and Missing and Exploited Persons section is a team of about a dozen officers and their work is not only vital, but also unique.

Published

2 years ago

March 6, 2023

Jasmin Brown

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Sexual Offences Unit and Missing and Exploited Persons section is a team of about a dozen officers and their work is not only vital, but also unique.

Officers attached to the Sexual Offenses Unit and Missing and Exploited Persons section are responsible for acting as first responders to sex crimes.

Not only do they gather evidence and information from the victim, but they also have to preserve its integrity, and secure the victim’s confidence and trust.

Assistant Superintendent Altida Bowles, Officer-in-Charge of the unit, says it takes a unique skill set to investigate what is often the worst experience of the victim’s life.

The unit is seeing results as more and more people are charged with sex crimes and convictions are being handed down in the courts.

ASP Bowles says it’s not only because of good police work. It’s also because more victims have the courage to speak up.

Investigating the most personal of crimes can also take a toll on the officers.

Inspector Donna Barr says it’s important they separate the private lives from their jobs.

The unit also takes on human trafficking cases, a crime that people are becoming more familiar with.