Created: Sep 29, 2014 08:00 AM (Updated: Sep 29, 2014 08:01 AM)
Somerset Police Station, early 1960s. Courtesy BPS
A life through a lens — these incredible images of the Island’s police officers at work offer an insightful look into the past.
Bermuda Police Service opened its photo albums as part of its 135th Anniversary celebrations, which kick off next month with Police Week.
From Bermuda’s first black inspector Edward “Bosun” Swainson in the 1930s to overseeing the dock workers’ strike in 1959 and taking part in the Heritage Day Parade in 1994, the pictures reflect both the passage of the years and the progression of the Island’s policing.
The photos pay tribute to the many officers who contribute to the community in various ways — both on duty and during their own personal time.
Residents are encouraged to send their own images to the Service which show positive police interaction with the community over the years.
Selected submissions will be featured on the official Bermuda Police Service website and social media network as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Copies of appropriate images should be emailed to pmr@bps.bm and should include the sender’s name, a description of the photo, the date taken and the name of the officers shown, if possible.
Dock strike, 1959. Courtesy BPS
Dock strike, 1959. Courtesy BPS
Doug Hebberd and recruit squad, october 1961. Courtesy BPS
Police mess, Prospect, 1958
Dog section, 1961. Courtesy BPS
No.1 Division inspected by Inspector Hebberd, 1961. Courtesy BPS
Sgt McMaster and Inspector Wilson, 1961
Reserve police march past, 1961. Courtesy BPS
Edward 'Bosun' Swainson, parish constable for St David's during the 1930s and Bermuda's first black police inspector. Made sporting history by becoming the first player to score a century while playing for St George's in Cup Match in 1937. His granddaughter, Gina Swainson, became first Bermudian crowned Miss World in 1979. Photo courtesy BPS
Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and teh Bermuda Police Motorcycle Display Team. Deputy Commissioner FB Williams shown left front and sub-inspector PJC Morin at right front. Photo RE Hodges, courtesy BPS
Government leader Sir Edward Richards accompanied by Inspector D Parsons inspect members of the 15th basic training course at their passing out parade in July 1972. Photo OR Daisley, courtesy BPS
Cadets in 1972. Photo by OR Daisley, courtesy BPS
Constable Walter Jackson with a traffic vehicle next to the float in City Hall car park at the Heritage Day Parade 1994. Courtesy Bermuda Police Service
BPS senior command in 2011. From left, Superintendent Martin Weekes, Superintendent James Howard, Deputy Commissioner Mike Jackman, Commissioner Michael DeSilva, Assistant Commissioner David Mirfield, Assistant Commissioner Paul Wright, Superintendent Andrew Boyce and Superintendent Antoine Daniels. Courtesy BPS