BERMUDA POLICE

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Old Jan 31st 2009, 2:30 pm
  #16  
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Old Feb 6th 2009, 2:23 pm
  #17  
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Default Re: BERMUDA POLICE

I KNEW WHEN I STARTED THIS POST I WOULD GET MIXED VIEWS FROM EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD EXPERIENCE IN BERMUDA, AND THIS IS EXACTUALY WHAT I WANTED.

NO JOB IS PERFECT WHATEVER IT IS AND HAVING VIEWS OF WHICH ARE BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE IS THE BEST WAY TO LEARN ABOUT SOMETHING.

IN MY CURRENT ROLE IN SURREY I AM NO LONGER HAPPY, I DONT LIKE THE UK ANYMORE AND HAVE HAD ITCHY FEET FOR YEARS.

THE RECESSION IN THE UK HASNT HELPED THINGS EITHER, DEPARTMENTS ARE CUTTING BACK DUE TO FINANCIAL PROBLEMS AND THERE IS NO CAREER DEVELOPMENT AVAILABLE.

I AM 25 AND HAVE NO COMMITMENTS HERE IN THE UK IE MORGAGE, PARTNER ETC SO I THOUGHT BERMUDA WOULD BE A GREAT STEP.

BEFORE I JOINED THE POLICE IN THE UK I ALWAYS LOOKED AT OTHER COUNTRIES FIRST, HOWEVER MOST, IF NOT ALL REQUIRED A MINIMUM OF 5 YEARS POLICE EXPERIENCE, WHICH I NOW HAVE.

I HAVE SINCE SPOKEN TO THE RECRUITMENT DEPARTMENT AND SGT FIONA MILLER HAS TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE PROBABLY GOING TO RECRUIT AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER 09, IF THIS IS THE CASE, I WILL BE SUBMITTING MY APPLICATION.
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Old Feb 6th 2009, 7:23 pm
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Default Re: BERMUDA POLICE

Originally Posted by ESTM
I KNEW WHEN I STARTED THIS POST I WOULD GET MIXED VIEWS FROM EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD EXPERIENCE IN BERMUDA, AND THIS IS EXACTUALY WHAT I WANTED.

NO JOB IS PERFECT WHATEVER IT IS AND HAVING VIEWS OF WHICH ARE BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE IS THE BEST WAY TO LEARN ABOUT SOMETHING.

IN MY CURRENT ROLE IN SURREY I AM NO LONGER HAPPY, I DONT LIKE THE UK ANYMORE AND HAVE HAD ITCHY FEET FOR YEARS.

THE RECESSION IN THE UK HASNT HELPED THINGS EITHER, DEPARTMENTS ARE CUTTING BACK DUE TO FINANCIAL PROBLEMS AND THERE IS NO CAREER DEVELOPMENT AVAILABLE.

I AM 25 AND HAVE NO COMMITMENTS HERE IN THE UK IE MORGAGE, PARTNER ETC SO I THOUGHT BERMUDA WOULD BE A GREAT STEP.

BEFORE I JOINED THE POLICE IN THE UK I ALWAYS LOOKED AT OTHER COUNTRIES FIRST, HOWEVER MOST, IF NOT ALL REQUIRED A MINIMUM OF 5 YEARS POLICE EXPERIENCE, WHICH I NOW HAVE.

I HAVE SINCE SPOKEN TO THE RECRUITMENT DEPARTMENT AND SGT FIONA MILLER HAS TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE PROBABLY GOING TO RECRUIT AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER 09, IF THIS IS THE CASE, I WILL BE SUBMITTING MY APPLICATION.
ESTM - Thank you for letting us know what your intent was. All I would say is that on balance most of your posters ( including myself) have been negative. I know some of the posters personally and know them to be exemplary PO, and I include myself in that description.

All I urge is that you go in with your eyes wide open and wits about you. As another poster has said it is a great 'springboard' for anything else you want to do. Most people who have survived the Bermuda Police experience have gone on to successful careers or live elsewhere.

Make no mistake though the individuals mentioned on the Bermuda.org website are very real. The comments and situations described although almost unbelievable are true. I recall it like yesterday. The level of vindictiveness is incredible. They make the most vile backstabber on a shift in the UK look like an angel.

And by the way I was liked there, and got through the experience completely clean.

Bermuda is a small island and everyone knows everyone else, including everyone else's business. Always remember your place as a Police constable there. Do not go to Bermuda thinking you will be the 'big cheese.' Take a look at the economics of the place you are a small cog in an extremely wealthy community. Accept and know your place and you will do fine.

My most positive advice would be to have fun and make sure you stay away from the very easy to fall into culture of an expat abroad - boozing, boozing and more boozing.... If you distinguish yourself, as not being one of what unfortunately Bermuda has seen so many of -= drunken expats; then you may do fine.

Note I say may, because Bermuda is steeped in long held stereo types, racism (on all sides) included.

I wish you luck and success.

Last edited by slidingbyee; Feb 6th 2009 at 7:57 pm.
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Old Feb 8th 2009, 4:53 pm
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I’m a glass half full type of guy – I say go. Just keep your wits about you – use your mind, not your mouth and Bermuda will be a nice stepping stone. Any negativity from ol’ “subverted and betrayed” here is aimed at the ability of the police farce and their self-serving leaders. Just remember, in the land of the blind, you enter with one eye and could be king …. Some will perceive you as a threat.

Some tips for the interview – don’t say you have fraud investigation experience … that could frighten them off given the vast leakage that occurs from Government coffers. You may care to mention that you have served on a complaints team (the current euphemism being I believe, ‘professional standards’). If asked whether you have ever lost a file, do not respond to the effect ‘of course not, only incompetents would misplace confidential correspondence’. Keep your eye on the local press to get a feel for what is occurring. There’s:

www.bermudasun.bm
www.royalgazette.com

Have a look at the current headlines and weep. The Gazette makes reference to the Auditor General and it is worth pursuing his history. As for the Sun (see above), you could not ask for better timing, the following is contained in an article about Fire Brigade recruitment:

“The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) has been struggling with a staffing shortage for years and has increasingly looked to the Caribbean to fill gaps. Anecdotal evidence suggests drug use is also hampering recruitment into the police, although a police spokesman said yesterday the force's recruitment difficulties cannot be ascribed to one particular problem.”

So there is a drug abuse issue but this is only one of the problems?

Join the Bermuda police, if nothing else, because it’s a Narnian (Lion, Witch, Wardrobe) thing; if you do not go through the door, you’ll forever be asking yourself ‘what if’ (I paraphrase).

Me, I’d do it again but would try to curb my confidence (which some considered arrogance). Enthusiasm, initiative and ability are alien to many in Bermuda.
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Old Feb 11th 2009, 11:14 pm
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Go. From what I gather, the UK Police is not what it was in terms of the sense of brotherhood. I do agree about the UK. An unexpected family tragedy last year means that I no longer have any family there, and as such, no further need to return. I shall never set foot in the country again. I seriously dislike the place which has changed out of all recognition from when I was a young man living there.

We all have our personalities and as much as you try to fit in while you´re in Bermuda, your own personality will probably override any attempt at trying to be something you are not. Watch your UK sense of humour. It can oh so easily be misinterpreted. There are people in Bermuda who go out of their way to be offended!

Make the most of the place. The travel opportunities are wonderful. New York and Boston are weekend getaways. Despite your anti UK vibe, you will get homesick. Don´t waste resources on UK visits, unless family matters insist. Go somewhere else. Make the most of your time off in Bermuda. There are wonderful sporting opportunities, and some of the finest diving waters I´ve ever seen.

Good luck and maybe in 20 years, you will look back and say Bermuda changed my life. It did for me..
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Old Feb 12th 2009, 1:09 am
  #21  
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Default Re: BERMUDA POLICE

Hi

I thinking of transferring to Bermuda. What procedures do they follow?
Do they follow PACE?
What is the length of training once you are there?
How long is the contract?
What is the average police officers work load?
Thanks
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Old Feb 12th 2009, 5:20 am
  #22  
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Default Re: BERMUDA POLICE

1. transferring: you resign and start afresh with Bda.
2. procedures: it's still a bit 'wild west'
3. PACE: it is slowly being introduced. whether they'll cope is any one's guess - it will likely be filed under 'too complicated'
4. length of training once you are there: not sure but likely 10 to 16 weeks. Odd question - does it make any difference?
5. contract: was 5 years (possible still the same) and then extended to 8 years after which you become permanent and pensionable. That is of course unless you've been bright enough to find something else to do.

with regard to the above, I will bow to the local and current knowledge of those who post and are serving.

6. work load: as little or as much as you want (to an extent). You can bury your head in the sand or go out looking for trouble - the later can shorten your career length. Best to take the military approach; when you are pointed at something, shoot and when they say 'jump' you ask 'how high'.

you are there to make up the numbers, parade around in a uniform and as a pawn for the senior pieces to move around. Think of it as a game (of chance); it's about getting to the end with as much (experience and money) as possible however, how long the game lasts is not only controlled by you.
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Old Feb 16th 2009, 11:40 pm
  #23  
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Default Re: BERMUDA POLICE

Yes, there's no actual "transfer". You have to resign from the UK Police and start anew in Bermuda. It doesn't matter how advanced and specialised you might have been in the UK Police, you start as a straight uniformed patrol constable in Bermuda. I had been in the Drug Squad in the UK and enjoyed a particularly advanced level of self-management and respect. I did feel particularly "demoted" when I started in Bermuda, being supervised by sergeants and more senior officers who, quite frankly, would never have been accepted into the UK Police. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the reading, writing, and overall intelect levels of many of these people was attrocious.

Training is dependent upon whether you are an existing police officer when you arrive. When they hire from the UK, they pretty much always hire existing police officers, who undergo a localisation course lasting 4-weeks. This course is done to simply get you familiar with the criminal laws of Bermuda, which I found fairly easy to grasp. After your course, you get assigned to one of the three divisions, Central (Hamilton), Western (St. George), or Western (Somerset). Hamilton is where you will get the most action, as it's the capital and is the location of some of the lowest-income housing. On the other hand, you have Somerset which is the quietest. As far as I could tell, you get no choice and get stationed wherever they decide. If you are able to advocate for a posting and want the action and better eventual specialisation prospects, then Hamilton is the place to be.

Workload is your call. You have the ability to be as busy or as lazy as you want to be. If you like issuing moving traffic tickets, it's like shelling peas. Local driving standards are unbelievable bad, so if you are of the ticket-writing variety, you can blow through plenty of pens. Bermuda's drug appetite, per-capita, is mind-blowingly high. Marijuana use is a way of life, enjoyed by every level of society. Harder drugs are widespread, too. Be careful when considering making arrests. Crowds gather rapidly, and you can easily find yourself in a a situation where you are dangerously vulnerable. I found a far greater tendency for Bermudians to resist arrest and to assault police. I also found a remarkable level of drivers refusing to stop. I was involved in multiple car and motorcycle chases on a nightly basis.

Some tax issues to consider. You are exempt from paying UK income taxes as long as you are away for at least one year. After that, you are effectively a tax exile.
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Old Feb 17th 2009, 1:20 am
  #24  
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Default Re: BERMUDA POLICE

Thanks NealR2000 for the info.
Just one more thing.
What do they pay for when you go. Ie airfare or anything.
Thanks
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Old Feb 17th 2009, 10:26 am
  #25  
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Default Re: BERMUDA POLICE

Your airfare is paid for. I recall that they simply mailed me the ticket. I must say that they are good with compensation and expenses.
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Old Feb 17th 2009, 3:10 pm
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Default Re: BERMUDA POLICE

Thanks very much.
What do you did get out of it working there?
And would you recommend it.
I have 8 years service all on response. do you think its worth the change even with my short service.
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Old Feb 17th 2009, 8:44 pm
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Default Re: BERMUDA POLICE

Is it worth it? Read my postings here. Horses for courses and a lot of luck. Everyone comes away with a different experience.
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Old Feb 23rd 2009, 7:36 pm
  #28  
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Default Re: BERMUDA POLICE

Originally Posted by ESTM
I KNEW WHEN I STARTED THIS POST I WOULD GET MIXED VIEWS FROM EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD EXPERIENCE IN BERMUDA, AND THIS IS EXACTUALY WHAT I WANTED.

NO JOB IS PERFECT WHATEVER IT IS AND HAVING VIEWS OF WHICH ARE BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE IS THE BEST WAY TO LEARN ABOUT SOMETHING.

IN MY CURRENT ROLE IN SURREY I AM NO LONGER HAPPY, I DONT LIKE THE UK ANYMORE AND HAVE HAD ITCHY FEET FOR YEARS.

THE RECESSION IN THE UK HASNT HELPED THINGS EITHER, DEPARTMENTS ARE CUTTING BACK DUE TO FINANCIAL PROBLEMS AND THERE IS NO CAREER DEVELOPMENT AVAILABLE.

I AM 25 AND HAVE NO COMMITMENTS HERE IN THE UK IE MORGAGE, PARTNER ETC SO I THOUGHT BERMUDA WOULD BE A GREAT STEP.

BEFORE I JOINED THE POLICE IN THE UK I ALWAYS LOOKED AT OTHER COUNTRIES FIRST, HOWEVER MOST, IF NOT ALL REQUIRED A MINIMUM OF 5 YEARS POLICE EXPERIENCE, WHICH I NOW HAVE.

I HAVE SINCE SPOKEN TO THE RECRUITMENT DEPARTMENT AND SGT FIONA MILLER HAS TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE PROBABLY GOING TO RECRUIT AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER 09, IF THIS IS THE CASE, I WILL BE SUBMITTING MY APPLICATION.
I spent 8yrs in bermuda having a mixture of response and then SB. There are problems in the Force but no more that UK Police which i constantly changing!!. Any one embarking on a career with the Bermuda Police is be open minded and take what is on offer. The wages at this time are not too bad and they are tax free, don't forget that.There are many opportunities travel and above all the social life, especially water sports. I would never discourage any one from joining and like anywhere there are some bitter and twisted ex Bermuda Officers. Don't expect the professional UK approach or teamwork, but at the end it's an 8 hour inconveniance on your social life.
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Old Apr 8th 2009, 10:28 pm
  #29  
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Default Re: BERMUDA POLICE

It is good to read the perspective of some Englishmen living and working in Bermuda. I appreciate the honesty. It is interesting, however, how none of you admit to the way many Brits act when they come to live in Bermuda or when they travel abroad generally. That is, the only hang around other Brits, they only drink at the pubs with other Brits, they only play rugby together, they only attend BBQ's at eachother's houses and they generally only look out for one another. The same cliquishness has existed on the Bda Police force for years! It goes both ways.

I also find it interesting, although not surprising, how many of you, including Swift on his website, only see your own English selves as being professional. Typical British mentality unfortunately. Swift never mentiones the blatant racism and lack of opportunities that affected black Bermudian officers on the force which resulted in some of the incompetent people in positions today. Very easy to look at everything in a snap shot in history isn't it? Reading Swifts website he conveniently leaves out the incompetent Brits that have been thrust into positions of leadership.

Swift, if your website is going to publish "facts" publish ALL the facts.
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Old Apr 23rd 2009, 6:26 pm
  #30  
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Default Re: BERMUDA POLICE

HI GUYS

HAS ANYONE GOT ANYTHING NEW TO SAY ABOUT THE LATEST RECRUITING AND STARTING ETC


I KNOW A FEW OF YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO START IN JAN THIS YEAR, SO JUST ASKING HOW THINGS ARE GETTING ON?

IF THERE IS ANY NEW INFO THAT I SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF REGARDING RECUITMENT I WOULD BE MOST GRATEFUL

CHEERS

EDDIE
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