Barbados is set to have its first female Commissioner of Police following confirmation of the appointment of current acting deputy Sonia Erene Boyce.
The appointment will take effect from this Friday, July 3, on the retirement of current Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce.
“The appointment is grounded in Deputy Commissioner Boyce’s demonstrated competence, experience, training, integrity and record of service. It reflects a career built over four decades in policing and public service, with proven leadership across operational, investigative, administrative and human resource functions,” said a media release.
At the time of her elevation to Deputy Commissioner last year, Boyce said she hoped it would be a catalyst for women across Barbados to see policing as a viable career.
She emerged as the top candidate after the rigorous process conducted by the Protective Services Commission which included interviews, a recommendation to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley “for the constitutionally required consultation and confirmation of support” before being submitted to President The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic for approval.
Boyce joined the Royal Barbados Police Force, now The Barbados Police Service, on April 21, 1986. After serving in several areas, she was appointed to act as Deputy Commissioner of Police on November 12, 2025, the first woman to do so in more than 180 years of the service.
She demonstrated leadership in multiple murder investigations, all of which resulted in convictions and a record that reflected investigative discipline, attention to evidence and a sustained commitment to the rule of law.
The Deputy Commissioner has also undertaken extensive specialist and executive training in policing and leadership. This includes the Crisis Negotiators Course at the Canadian Police College; the Advanced Management Course at the International Law Enforcement Academy in Roswell, New Mexico; leadership and management training in Jamaica, the Police Executive Leadership Seminar in Barbados, and the International Leadership and Management Programme in the United Kingdom. She is also a trained crisis and hostage negotiator.
Boyce recently completed the Executive Leadership Programme with Merit at the College of Policing in the United Kingdom, further strengthening her preparation for senior command. She also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science with Law, Upper Second Class Honours, from The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
At the national level, her service was recognised through the awarding of the Barbados Services Medal of Honour with First Clasp and the Barbados Humanitarian Award. She has also contributed to regional and international policing networks and civic organisations, including service as Co-Chair to the International Law Enforcement Academy Charter Working Group, President of The Police Alliance Toastmasters Club, and Council Member of the Barbados Girl Guides Association.
In the release, outgoing Commissioner Richard Boyce was acknowledged by the Government of Barbados for his contribution to national law enforcement.
“The leadership transition comes at a time when public safety, institutional confidence, modern policing methods, strong administration and community trust remain central to the national agenda,” the statement added. “Deputy Commissioner Boyce’s appointment is intended to ensure continuity, professionalism and disciplined leadership within The Barbados Police Service.”
The Government of Barbados said it remained committed to supporting The Barbados Police Service in its mission to protect the public, uphold the law, strengthen public confidence and respond effectively to the changing security needs of the country. (PR/SAT)
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Sonia Boyce. (FILE)