In this second Policing TV conversation with Royal Gibraltar Police Commissioner Owain Richards, we dive into one of the most significant changes in the territory’s modern history: the new UK–EU treaty that will remove routine border checks at the Gibraltar–Spain frontier. Commissioner Richards explains what an open land border will mean in practice, how joint policing with Spanish forces will work, and why this “seismic” shift is both an opportunity and a major operational test.

He sets out how his 258-strong force will manage new responsibilities at the airport, frontier and at sea while still protecting neighbourhoods, supporting local business, and maintaining public confidence. From Schengen sea patrols and hot-pursuit protocols to live facial recognition and business security, this interview offers a rare, practical insight into guarding the Rock as its borders come down.

Interested in recruitment in Gibraltar? Click here to find out more.

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.

Key Takeaways

• UK–EU treaty will remove routine checks at the Gibraltar–Spain land border.
• RGP takes on new security duties at the airport, frontier and at sea.
• Gibraltar officers will run joint Schengen sea patrols with Spanish police.
• Open borders create fresh opportunities for cross-border criminality.
• Richards must deliver the new model with a small, stretched workforce.
• Gibraltar will tap into the UK’s new national law enforcement database.
• Border and city CCTV may be upgraded with live facial recognition.
• RGP is working with local businesses to reduce robbery and security risks.

Chapters
00:00 – Intro & why this treaty matters now
01:07 – A ‘seminal moment’: outline of the UK–EU Gibraltar deal
03:29 – Joint operations: Schengen sea patrols and shared border centre
05:53 – Resourcing the new model with 258 officers
06:34 – How airport and land-border checks will change on 10 April
09:42 – Working with Spanish police: pursuit protocols and reciprocity
12:24 – Hot pursuit, open borders and managing new risks
14:51 – Business fears, facial recognition and keeping Gibraltar safe

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