Police Over Justice: How a Bankrupt Nation Prioritizes Force Over Fairness

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is asking for 2,000 new officers, nearly doubling its size. The reason? A “manpower shortage,” says Commissioner Shanta Knowles. But the real shortage is elsewhere: in functioning courts, legal aid, and social accountability.

“This is not public safety. This is authoritarianism by budget.”
— RevealThem.org editorial team

💸 The Numbers Don’t Lie

• Average Police Salary: $25,000–35,000 USD
• Total Salary Cost (2,000 hires): $50–70 million USD/year
• Equipment & Training: $15–25 million USD (startup)
• Future Pensions: Long-term liability

Meanwhile, court buildings crumble, legal aid is unavailable, and justice is delayed—sometimes indefinitely.

⚖️ Justice Starves, While Force Grows

Instead of investing in fair trials and access to justice, the government is expanding enforcement powers:

• Immigration detainees (including minors) lack lawyers or interpreters
• Police raids frequently occur without warrants or accountability
• Marginalized groups face disproportionate detention and abuse

🛑 What This Really Means

This isn’t a safety strategy — it’s a warning sign:

• Growing police budgets signal state paranoia, not strength
• Justice and transparency are sacrificed for visible control
• LGBTQ+ families, whistleblowers, and critics are increasingly at risk

“You don’t need 2,000 more cops. You need 2,000 more judges, social workers, and teachers.”

🔗 Related Reports:

• Broken Paradise – How Police Raids Destroy Families
• Detention & Exile – Inside the Bahamian Immigration Machine
• Submit Your Story – Confidentially

📢 Call to Action:

If you’re a journalist, rights advocate, donor, or citizen—it’s time to ask:

• Where does the money go?
• Who is this growing police force meant to protect—or silence?
• Why does a bankrupt nation fund repression over repair?

👉 Join us. Expose the imbalance. Demand transparency.