In this conversation with Commissioner Barry Thacker, PolicingTV heads to one of the most remote places on earth: Tristan da Cunha. Barry reflects on a remarkable policing journey that has taken him from Derbyshire to all six British Atlantic Overseas Territories, including the Falklands, St Helena, Ascension, South Georgia, British Antarctica and now Tristan da Cunha, where he serves as the island’s police sergeant.

The interview also explores what life and policing look like on a volcanic island of around 230 people, reachable only by sea. From 13-day journeys and good old-fashioned community policing to immigration, customs and environmental responsibilities, Barry gives a fascinating insight into policing in one of the most isolated communities in the world.

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 explains how he went from Derbyshire policing to all six British Atlantic territories.
• He describes Tristan da Cunha as the world’s most remote inhabited island.
• Getting there takes serious commitment, with Barry’s journey lasting around 13 days door to door.
• A big theme is that policing on Tristan is rooted in old-fashioned community relationships.
• Barry’s role goes far beyond policing and also includes immigration and customs duties.
• The interview highlights Tristan’s unique history, wildlife and environmental responsibilities.
• Life on the island is shaped by close community ties, shared resources and extreme remoteness.
• Barry also reflects on the challenges of weather, isolation and life on a two-year contract.

Chapters
00:00 – Barry Thacker’s route to Tristan da Cunha
00:33 – From Derbyshire to the Atlantic territories
03:48 – Completing the full set
04:57 – Where exactly is Tristan da Cunha?
05:17 – A 13-day trip just to get there
07:12 – What does policing look like there?
08:41 – Wildlife, conservation and environmental enforcement
11:34 – Can anyone move to Tristan?
13:08 – Weather, winter and life on contract

Subscribe for more leadership conversations from inside and beyond policing

We have launched a YouTube channel where you can also view our videos – just click here and please like and subscribe PTV Youtube