Sun-drenched beaches, turquoise waters, and…drug busts? BBC One’s “Policing Paradise” offers a look at the less-than-idyllic side of life in Bermuda, where maintaining law and order presents unique challenges. This Tuesday’s episode introduces us to the officers tasked with keeping this 21-square-mile island safe.
Meet Officer Paul Watson, a British-born bobby who has patrolled Bermuda’s international airport for over three decades. He’s seen it all, and this episode features him dealing with an American tourist caught with cannabis, highlighting the island’s stringent drug laws. The episode also features other officers on the force, including jet-ski-riding officer Sean Wheatley and Corporal Melanie Gauntlett patrolling the shoreline. On land, it is Sergeant Milton Joshua Hill’s turn to keep Bermuda’s roads safe on his motorbike.
With limited space and even more limited traffic options, Bermuda sees a high volume of motorbike and scooter traffic, creating specific policing issues. The episode even features Motor Fest, an annual event where islanders display their modified vehicles, some worth upwards of $10,000. From airport drug seizures to keeping the peace on two wheels, this episode is a reminder that even paradise has its share of problems.
“Policing Paradise” airs Tuesday, 25 March at 2:00 PM on BBC One.
