Reserve police officer Sandra Beach last night became the first woman to take up the post of commandant of the Bermuda Reserve Police.

Ms Beach was sworn in at a change of command ceremony held at the police headquarters in Prospect.

“Throughout history women have been discriminated against in many aspects of life including employment,” Ms Beach told an audience of more than 300. “There has been some progress, however, the work field today is still harsh towards women and many organisations are fighting to change this.

“That is why this change of command ceremony and my new role as the commandant of the Bermuda Reserve Police is to honour women who have broken down barriers and who have helped to lead the way for other women through service in a non-traditional career.”

Ms Beach said her vision for the Bermuda Reserve Police (BRP) would be to support the Bermuda Police Service in all its endeavours, to increase the number of constables, provide training for all reserve officers and to keep that training up to date.

Ms Beach succeeded Commandant Cannoth Roberts, who was appointed deputy commandant in 2012 and became the eighth commandant of the BRP in March last year.

After joining the BRP in 1995, at first spending her time between central and traffic divisions. She was promoted to sergeant in 1998, and inspector in 1999.

During this time, she served in almost every division of the BRP. In 2001, Ms Beach was promoted to chief inspector and superintendent in 2004, when she assumed responsibility for the administration section and the BRP budget.

Ms Beach is also known for organising community policing events such as the Bermuda Girl Guide Association’s Annual Thinking Day Service, Harbour Nights and the Annual Christmas Parade.