Commissioner of Police
Becoming the first, is a distinction that many aspire to attain, yet only a few are able to accomplish. It is a barrier set so high, ladened with obstacles, twists and unpredictable turns, that even the fittest amongst us would feel defeated on embarkation. Imagine putting in the work and standing on the shoulders of those who paved the way in 1964 to witness the insurmountable feat some 60 years later on the appointment of the 1st female This concurring glass shattering accomplishment has humbled Commissioner Shanta Emily Knowles, who is a veteran with over 34 years of service with the Force. Although she always knew she was destined for greatness, her journey from the beautiful island of Eleuthera as a young girl filled with promise, to her ascension as the number one law enforcement officer in The Bahamas, has now given pause and hope to other young Bahamian girls that anything is possible! Notwithstanding, Commissioner Knowles is no stranger to breaking down barriers. She firmly believes that her meteoric rise to the top of the Force is deeply rooted in her Anglican faith and attributes her success to divine intervention. She remained obedient throughout her career on the apt principle of due diligence, and the Almighty God did the rest. According to her, it was all a part of God’s plan...and cited in Colossians 3:23 that states, “Work.....for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” Commissioner Knowles was born on November 19, 1971. She is the second child to parents Reginald and Felease. She hails from Rock Sound, Eleuthera, but later moved to New Providence in 1990 to commence recruit training at the Police College. Her strongest inspiration to become a police occurred at the age of 15 by happenstance when she met the first female gazetted officer, Mrs. Allerdyce Strachan. She vicariously saw herself in this image, and a moment of clarity gave her the courage to follow the career path of that same female officer who originated from her little settlement in The Bahamas. She thought to herself, if she could do it, then so can I.....and the rest was history! After graduating from the Preston Albury High School and receiving a high school diploma, Commissioner Knowles knew there were important and time sensitive decisions that had to be made about her future. Her meticulous vacillation on becoming a police officer included a keen interest in community work, helping other people and giving back to society. Commissioner Knowles ultimately concluded that the Force would likely provide the platforms that checked all of those boxes at some point in time. Consequently, she packed her bags and intrepidly moved to New Providence in order join the rank and file of the Force on October 15, 1990. On completion of her initial police training program, Commissioner Knowles was posted at the Southern Division where she commenced an historic policing career. In 1992, she was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). As a highly skilled and knowledgeable detective, she successfully investigated a number of major crimes including murder, rape, and armed robbery cases that were bought to successful conclusions in the Supreme Court. With a confounding 28 nonconsecutive years of experience in criminal investigations, she made history on May 4, 2020 when she became the 1st female to assume the top position at CID, effectively becoming the lead detective for all major crimes throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Her tenure at CID allowed her to accomplish some of her early goals in life to make a difference and help others. With a high moral compass and the letter of the law on her side, she unapologetically championed a voice for victims of violent crimes. Her diverse investigative prowess gave her the opportunity to lead and manage the Sexual Offences Squad and the trafficking in Persons Squad. Under her leadership, the Squads were able to successfully investigate the first human trafficking case in The Bahamas as well as seek justice for many victims. In 2017, she became the Director of the National Crime Prevention Office and the official Press Liaison Officer for the Force, where she effectively communicated matters of public interest to the general public through the mass media. As the face of the Organization, she became well established and functioned in many capacities during this era. Notably, this platform equipped Commissioner Knowles with a megaphone that allowed her to make an even greater difference in the lives of other people. She embarked on countless walkabouts in urban and rural communities to assess crime levels and the social needs of people. Additionally, she often chaired and attended meetings with varying community groups, neighborhood crime watch groups, business community groups, and civic organizations, to sensitize the public on crime safety measures. She entered the gazetted ranks in 2014 on her promotion to Assistant Superintendent and rose to the rank of Superintendent by 2017. She was promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent in 2020 and simultaneously became the Commander in Chief at CID. During the ensuing years she was transferred to the Eluethera Division as Officer in Charge and later on as Commandant of the Police Reserves. In 2023, she was appointed to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police and became a part of the Senior Executive Leadership Team. In her new mantle of leadership, she assumed responsibility of the Human Resources and Training Portfolio and by December 2023 she made history for a second time within the Organization on her transfer as the 1st female to command Grand Bahama and the Northern Bahamas District. At this point, she reflected on her career and was humbled by all the opportunities afforded to her thus far. Notwithstanding, she was cognizant of her contention for the top spot and the historical overtones if she were successful. Commissioner Knowles’ journey throughout the Force is lined by hard work, determination and due diligence. She believes in putting her best foot forward with every effort in order to achieve desired results. As a fearless leader at the precipice of greatness, she consistently puts service to the Bahamian people above self. Her display of exceptional leadership abilities is evidenced throughout her work in New Providence, the Family Islands District and Grand Bahama. She is undoubtedly, a well-rounded police officer with coinciding footprints across all policing districts. As commander of the Eleuthera Division, she sought to lead from the front with community policing initiatives. She visited every settlement in Eleuthera, Spanish Wells and Harbour Island to meet the Bahamian people where they were and reassure them of the police’s resolve in the fight against crime. She also worked at the Southern Division in New Providence and the Divisional Detective Unit in Exuma. Notably, Commissioner Knowles’ expertise in criminal investigations include a combination of career experiences and the completion of several professional police training programs at top law enforcement institutions at a local, regional and international level. She received various training from top experts in the policing field as follows: Commissioner Knowles is a transformational leader with the gravitas to restore confidence and public trust in the Royal Bahamas Police Force through positive change, while enforcing the rule of law. She intends to navigate the Force in a new direction that will make the Bahamian citizenry proud. Her new era of policing will mandate all police officers to undergo a series of ethics training within the first 90 days of her Commissionership in a meticulous effort to improve public relations and rebuild the image of the Force. She is a member of the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. She worships at Christ the King Anglican Church and is the parent to her loving daughter, Lashan Knowles. Commissioner Knowles is also a Distinguished President of the Kiwanis Club of Cable Beach Sunshine Division 22, Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District, where she has been a member since 2015. Additionally, she is a member of the International Association of Commissioners of Police. In her spare time, she enjoys family life, helping others and traveling.
Commissioner of Police in the history of the Royal Bahamas Police Force; and simultaneously, the 10th Bahamian Commissioner in an Independent Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
To compliment her vast experience, training and illustrious career, Commissioner Knowles is a highly decorated gazetted officer with accolades of the highest order including:
Her greatest career accomplishment that would cement her legacy for future generations to come occurred on January 3, 2025. The bright and confident teenager who barnstormed the Force more than three decades ago, made history for a third time with the Organization on her symbolic appointment to Commissioner of Police. Commissioner Knowles claims the title as the 1st Female Commissioner, as well as the 10th Bahamian Commissioner appointed under an Independent Commonwealth of The Bahamas.