Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ag.) Sonia Boyce will be appointed Commissioner of Police with effect from July 3, 2026, due to the impending retirement of Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce and the consequential vacancy in the leadership of The Barbados Police Service (TBPS).
The appointment follows a process conducted by the Protective Services Commission, which included interviews as part of its assessment of candidates, according to a press release.
A recommendation was subsequently submitted to the Prime Minister for the constitutionally required consultation and confirmation of support before being submitted for the approval of the President of Barbados.
The release explained that the appointment is based on Deputy Commissioner Boyce’s demonstrated competence, experience, training, integrity and record of service.
It stated that her career was built over four decades in policing and public service, with proven leadership across operational, investigative, administrative and human resource functions.
Deputy Commissioner Boyce enlisted in the then Royal Barbados Police Force, now TBPS, on April 21, 1986. She has served in several functional areas of the service and was appointed to act as deputy commissioner of police on November 12, 2025. In her current portfolio, she has responsibility for administration and human resources.
Her professional record includes leadership of multiple murder investigations, all of which resulted in convictions. That record reflects investigative discipline, attention to evidence and a sustained commitment to the rule of law.
Deputy Commissioner Boyce has also undertaken extensive specialist and executive training in policing and leadership. Her training 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.
She recently completed the Executive Leadership Programme at the College of Policing in the United Kingdom with merit, further strengthening her preparation for senior command. Deputy Commissioner Boyce 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.
Her service has been recognised through 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 press release, the government acknowledged the dedicated service of Commissioner Richard Boyce and his contribution to national law enforcement.
It added that Deputy Commissioner Boyce’s appointment is intended to ensure continuity, professionalism and disciplined leadership within TBPS, the statement added. (PR)
