Possible move to Bermuda

[damionblade]

hey everyone hows it goin!? i just joined up here cuz i want to get some insight on bermuda. I just got offered a position with the Bermuda Police Service. first of all for people living in Bermuda I'm curious as to how you find the police officers in Bermuda? are they professional? i know that the officers there don;t carry firearms, i know the crime rate is apparently very low but still it would make me feel a lil uneasy about not carrying a firearm while being a cop, just cuz of the "what if" situations.

as far as living. i know rent is outrageous and i know I wont be able to afford much on a police salary. I am not really sure what they offer as far as living expenses cuz i havent gotten my official contract yet. all ive heard is something about barrack style accomodations. but by the sounds of it, not sure if id want to live in a "barrack" for my 5 year contract

[BermudaBum]

Hi Damion,

I'm probably the only person here that can discuss Bermuda in depth. Personally I have just escaped after nearly a three year stint, and can honestly say that although the officers may seem professional, the force's image is somewhat of a joke. I always referred to them as keystone cops.
BDA is a small-small island, it will close in on you after years of being there. Everybody has a 'cuz or bro somewhere on the rock & this is why they can't find locals to police the island.
Rent is unbelievable (approx. $1500/bedroom) and I did find that crime was rising (gang violence, machete attacks, innocent kids getting stabbed at the beach) it's quite a shame really.
You will face hardships that I will not mention here, but overall an interesting experience none-the-less.
5 years seems like a long contract but I hope you'll like it.

Cheers,
W.

[damionblade]

hmm thnks for the info. maybe thats why they are recruiting outside Bermuda? maybe they are trying to turn the image of the service around? I just dont want to show up there and as an "officer of the law" and not be taken seriously. I have worked for a couple security companies where people try to walk all over your, and i just dont want that to be the same situation cuz, well then I had to show them the hard way that they should respect my authority lol.

maybe in a PM you could mention the hardships? i wanna know EVERYTHING I can before I make a definate decision

[chuck]

Hey Damion:

If you have not already committed yourself here is my input. Based on the point of view of ex Canadian and ex Bermudian Police Officer. (over 20 years service)

1. The BPS tries to be but is far from being
professional.
2. The police are not well respected by the local
population particularly if you are an 'ex-pat'.
3. The cost of living, rents etc. are outrageous.
4. Barracks living in the past was inadequate but
BPS has recently acquired a former hotel as
accomodation which is quite nice.
5. One could go on but the bottom line is you have to
decide but do as much research as you can.
6. My suggestion: If you are single and fed up with
Candian winters, Bermuda is a nice place for a
short break but, if you are serious about
policing as a career, STAY HOME.

Good Luck!