How does putting more women in policing change outcomes for women and girls facing abuse? In this Policing TV international episode, Maria Stanley speaks with Commissioner Darrin Simons of the Bermuda Police Service, who also chairs the British Overseas Territories Women in Policing Coordinating Committee. Darrin explains why he put his name behind a women in policing programme and how it directly links to better policing responses to violence against women and girls.

They discuss the 16 Days of Activism campaign on ending violence against women and girls, including online harms like image-based abuse, deepfakes and digital coercive control. Darren shares research on why women officers and leaders matter, a powerful case study from Bermuda, and how changing questions, training and structures can boost trust, reporting and long-term community safety across the Overseas Territories.

This 12-part video series (Sept 2025–Aug 2026) will explore policing across the 14 British Overseas Territories (BOTs), combining operational insight with human stories of resilience, innovation, and community trust. Aimed at a global policing audience, it will inspire professionals to consider unique career opportunities while highlighting the UK’s commitment to ethical, inclusive, and locally adapted policing in some of the world’s most remote and diverse jurisdictions.

Each monthly episode will focus on one territory, featuring:

• Senior officer perspectives on challenges, priorities, and vision
• Frontline accounts from officers and community members
• Cultural and operational context unique to each location
• A strategic theme, such as women in policing, domestic abuse prevention, disaster response, or innovation in
• isolation
• A takeaway message relevant to policing worldwide
• And a  recruitment call to action – we need help and support to keep this amazing service going !

Recurring features – including A Day in the Life, Ask the Commissioner, and Innovation Spotlight – will give a consistent structure while showcasing individual character and creativity across forces.

Themes woven throughout include gender equality, tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG), community trust, cross-cultural policing, and professional opportunities for secondments, post-retirement roles, and career transitions.

At its heart, this is a people-first series: celebrating service, promoting inclusion, and inviting skilled professionals to be part of something meaningful.

Takeaways

• The British Overseas Territories gender programme grows women in policing and drives reform.
• Darrin chairs women in policing to improve responses to violence against women and girls (VAWG).
• Research shows women officers often achieve better VAWG outcomes.
• Women bring different lived experiences that enhance policing effectiveness.
• Diversity in policing is not just a social issue but a business imperative.
• 16 Days of Activism highlights both offline and digital abuse.
• A single woman sergeant in Bermuda transformed one victim’s trust in police.
• More women in policing can lift trust, cohesion and long-term community safety.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Women in Policing
03:27 The Importance of Women in Policing
07:50 Building Trust and Confidence in Communities
10:41 The Business Case for Diversity in Policing
15:38 Long-term Impact on Society
21:36 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

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