In this second conversation with Barry Thacker, PolicingTV explores what it really takes to police across the British Atlantic Overseas Territories. Having served in all six territories, Barry offers a rare perspective on the similarities and differences between places including the Falklands, St Helena, Ascension, South Georgia, British Antarctica and Tristan da Cunha, from policing style and community relationships to geography, logistics and daily responsibilities.

The interview also highlights just how demanding and varied these roles can be. Barry explains why officers in the territories often wear multiple hats beyond policing, including customs, immigration, biodiversity and search and rescue, and why self-reliance, adaptability and strong community skills matter so much. It is a fascinating insight into a unique style of policing shaped by isolation, trust and the realities of working far from immediate support.

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

• Barry Thacker says each Atlantic territory is different, but all share a strong community spirit.
• A big theme is that policing in the territories feels closer to old-fashioned community policing.
• Officers often need to do far more than policing, including customs, immigration and other island duties.
• Barry explains that strong people skills and adaptability are essential across all the territories.
• The Falklands brings a more complex policing model with larger numbers and military links.
• Smaller territories demand even more self-reliance because support can be days or even weeks away.
• Tristan da Cunha is especially isolated, with help from St Helena potentially taking two to three weeks.
• Barry strongly encourages officers looking for adventure or a new challenge to consider the territories.

Chapters
00:00 – How far away is help?
00:47 – Why Barry’s experience is so unusual
02:09 – What makes the territories similar
03:48 – Ascension Island and policing with the military
06:10 – St Helena and the role of UK experience
08:37 – The Falklands, wildlife and wider coverage
11:08 – Wearing multiple hats across the territories
13:59 – Why remoteness changes everything
15:39 – Why Barry would recommend it

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