Policing Paradise

The island paradise of Bermuda is just 21 square miles, and to limit traffic congestion, locals are restricted to having just one car per household. This means motorbikes and scooters are Bermuda's most popular mode of transport, leading to the theft of two-wheeled vehicles becoming a big problem. On the east of the island, officers Lisa Tucker and Derek Simmons are investigating the theft of three electric vehicles, with the duo eventually arresting a man on suspicion of being in possession of one of the stolen bikes. Despite the island's reputation for sun, sea and sand, commissioner of police Darrin Simons recognises there are serious issues faced when policing Bermuda. The island may be a paradise for some, but that doesn't mean it hasn't also got poverty and homelessness. Officer Gregory White is all too aware of these societal problems, having to attend to an 80-year-old complaining about damage caused to his property by a squatter. The pensioner later changes his mind about providing a statement - it's a familiar story to Officer White. The island is small, and the police can run into challenges because people will not want to come forward with information, sometimes because of who they know or because it's so easy to be found out. People can be afraid of reprisals. Bermuda's beautiful aquamarine sea is one of the island's main attractions, so it's vital the authorities keep its busy waterways safe. Cpl Melanie Gauntlett and police officer Sean Wheatley are on duty at sea, and as well as checking vessels have the correct safety equipment, they also have their eyes trained on the shoreline, patrolling the perimeter of the island's prison. Cpl Gauntlett reveals that drugs do wash up on the shore quite often. Occasionally, if there's been an event inside the prison, and the prisoners are trying to get rid of a knife or a weapon that they shouldn't have, they'll chuck it over the wall.