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Assistant Commissioner of Police
Legal Affairs
Assistant Commissioner Dr. Rodger Thompson, the son of Sandra Whylly and Patrick Thompson (Doc), rooted from the islands of Knowles, Cat Island, and Deep Creek, Eleuthera, has forged an illustrious career in law enforcement and legal advocacy. His journey began with his enrolment in the Police Cadet program on 15th June 1989, eventually leading to his enlistment into the Royal Bahamas Police Force on 1st April 1992. The decision to join the Royal Bahamas Police Force was not taken lightly and can be attributed to his stern upbringing, values, and impactful journey as a police cadet. Upon completing his training at the Police College, Dr. Rodger Thompson was deployed to the Cable Beach Police Station and was later transferred to the Abaco District. Dr. Thompson’s stellar performance as a police officer and his keen eye for detail whilst conducting investigations led his supervisors to recommend he be trained as a crime scene officer. In 1997, Dr. Thompson was trained as a crime scene officer and worked between the Criminal Records Office and the Cable Beach Station. Ascending through the ranks, Dr. Thompson’s career trajectory showcases his dedication and proficiency, leading to his appointment as Assistant Commissioner. Along the way, he has adeptly fulfilled roles as an enquiry officer, and scenes of crime officer, and later earned promotions to the positions of Corporal, Sergeant, Inspector, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, and Chief Superintendent. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Thompson has accumulated a wealth of experience and expertise in various facets of policing. His tenure has seen him hold pivotal roles, including serving as the officer-in-charge of the Court Liaison Section, where he managed officers assigned at the Supreme Courts, the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Office of the Attorney General. During his time at the Court Liaison section, he also served as a Chief Prosecutor with junior attorneys under his remit. From 2021 until his ascension to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police in 2023, Dr. Thompson served as the Director of the Police Legal Office, with the general role as the Legal Advisor to the Commissioner of Police. He is currently the Assistant Commissioner of Police overseeing Legal Affairs, the Eastern Division, and the Fox Hill Division. Among his earlier posts are: Dr. Thompson’s academic accomplishments stand as a testament to his commitment to excellence. His desire for knowledge led him to further his education and in 2002 he received his Associate's degree in Law and Criminal Justice at the College of the Bahamas. He went on further to receive his Bachelor of Law degree with honors in 2006 from the University of the West Indies, which enabled his enrollment into the Eugene Dupuch Law School where he obtained his Legal Education certificate in 2008. Dr. Rodger Thompson was called to the Bahamas Bar as counsel and attorney at law in October 2008, complementing his comprehensive understanding of both law enforcement and legal intricacies. Dr. Thompson’s eagerness to master policing and the law fostered his hunger to further his education and in 2013, he received his Master of Law Degree in Public Law from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Barbados. He believes that leadership is not a license to do less but the responsibility to do more. In pursuit of this mandate, he obtained his Doctored Degree in the Covenant of Leadership, where his dissertation, under the topic, “Leadership with Purpose”, was a qualitative study, carefully investigating a leader’s discovery of purpose and its impact in various settings. Dr. Thompson’s multifaceted expertise extends beyond policing. Post admission to the Bahamas Bar he has actively practiced law, gaining exposure through internships, legal advisories, and court representations. He has contributed significantly to legal proceedings, handling bail revocation applications, representing the Crown on applications before the Court of Appeal, and prosecuting criminal trials, some of which resulted in substantial sentences, including cases where the death penalty was sought. He has also lectured at the Police College and provided legal guidance across different judicial settings. Moreover, his commitment to community service is evident through his active participation in church. Dr. Thompson is devoted to his faith and actively serves as a pastor at Cornerstone Zion Apostolic Ministry. He is also the proud father of two children. He serves as a member of the Governor General’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Thompson has been recognized with numerous awards and certificates, acknowledging his contributions to both law enforcement and the wider community. Among them are: His diverse educational background, extensive professional experience, and unwavering commitment to upholding the law have shaped Dr. Rodger Thompson into a highly competent Assistant Commissioner of Police, possessing a special combination of managerial skills, legal acumen, and operational expertise that supports the integrity and effectiveness of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.