Sonia Boyce appointed Barbados Commissioner of Police
Key Points(5)
- Barbados Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Sonia Boyce has been appointed Commissioner of Police, effective July 3, 2026, succeeding outgoing Commissioner Richard Boyce, who is retiring after a long career in law enforcement.
- The appointment follows a selection process carried out by the Protective Services Commission, which included candidate interviews and a formal recommendation submitted for consultation with Prime Minister Mia Mottley before receiving constitutional approval.
- According to the government, Sonia Boyce was selected based on her extensive experience, leadership, integrity and four decades of service in policing and public administration.
- Boyce joined the then Royal Barbados Police Force on April 21, 1986, and has served in a wide range of operational, investigative, administrative and human resources roles.
- She was appointed acting deputy commissioner in November 2025 and currently oversees administration and human resources within the force.
Barbados Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Sonia Boyce has been appointed Commissioner of Police, effective July 3, 2026, succeeding Commissioner Richard Boyce, who is retiring after what officials described as a distinguished career in law enforcement.
The appointment was made following a selection process conducted by the Protective Services Commission, which included candidate interviews and a formal recommendation to Prime Minister Mia Mottley. The prime minister then carried out the constitutionally required consultation before presidential approval was granted.
In announcing the appointment, the government highlighted Sonia Boyce’s extensive experience, leadership, integrity and exemplary service spanning four decades in policing and public service.
Boyce joined the then Royal Barbados Police Force on April 21, 1986, and has served in a wide range of operational, investigative, administrative and human resources roles. She was appointed acting deputy commissioner in November 2025 and currently oversees administration and human resources within the force.
Her career includes leading several major murder investigations that resulted in convictions, earning her a reputation for professionalism, investigative excellence and strong commitment to the rule of law.
She has completed extensive leadership and policing training in Barbados, Canada, Jamaica, the United Kingdom and the United States. Most recently, she graduated with merit from the Executive Leadership Programme at the College of Policing. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with Law from the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus.
Boyce has been recognised for her service with the Barbados Services Medal of Honour with First Clasp and the Barbados Humanitarian Award. She has also served in several regional and international policing and civic organisations.
The government thanked outgoing Commissioner Richard Boyce for his long-standing service and contribution to national security, noting that Sonia Boyce’s appointment will ensure continuity, professionalism and strong leadership within the Barbados Police Service.
