In this first of three episodes of Policing TV, Bernard Rix speaks with Commissioner Sigríður Björk Guðjónsdóttir, Iceland’s first female Commissioner of Police. From her beginnings as a lawyer and tax commissioner to leading the Icelandic Police Service, Commissioner Guðjónsdóttir shares her inspiring journey — one marked by courage, reform, and servant leadership.
She reflects on overcoming early resistance in a male-dominated environment and introducing new approaches to domestic violence and victim care. The speaker also highlights the importance of viewing policing as a service to the community rather than a forceful authority and flattening hierarchies by leading with humility
We recorded this series of three interviews shortly before November 14th 2025, when Sigríður stepped down from her role as the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police
This is a fascinating insight into what modern police leadership looks like — grounded in empathy, equality, and purpose.
Part 2 continues her story on 20th November
Takeaways
- Leadership built on service, not status.
- Domestic violence reform doubled reporting through better trust.
- Community engagement is essential for effective policing.
- Resistance to change can be overcome with empathy and persistence.
- Flattening hierarchies accelerates progress and communication.
- Transparency with police unions builds long-term respect.
- Selecting motivated, values-driven people is key to success.
- Iceland’s policing model blends humility with professionalism.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & Background
01:00 – From Law to Leadership
04:00 – Discovering Policing & Service Values
07:00 – Reforming Domestic Violence Response
09:00 – Resistance, Reform & Leading by Example
11:00 – Flattening Hierarchies & Building Respect
12:30 – Closing & Preview of Part 2
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