Friday 5th June 2015 was a momentous day for the BPS with the official launch of “The History of Policing in Bermuda: One Hundred and thirty-five years of Service”. The event was held at the Police Recreation Club at Prospect attended by His Excellency the Governor, George Fergusson, and Mrs. Fergusson along with a host of dignitaries, retired police officers, and special guests.
This attractive 132 page book provides a comprehensive history of the Bermuda Police during its 135 year existence, and is beautifully illustrated with hundreds of photographs from 1879 through to 2014.
The first copy was presented to Commissioner of Police, Michael DeSilva by the four people responsible for its publication - Alex MacDonald, Andy Bermingham, Chris Wilcox, and Chief Inspector Calvin Smith. One of the major tasks they faced was collecting historic photographs many of which had been destroyed due to damp conditions where they had been stored. Fortunately, the team was able to obtain dozens of photographs from private sources, including relatives of former police officers.
One unique photo was discovered for sale on eBay by Alex MacDonald shortly before the deadline for submissions, and this was of a Magistrate sitting outside the very first Hamilton Police Station, clearly marked, with four police officers standing behind him. The building was located on Parliament Street at the junction with Church Street and in the background is the as yet unfinished cathedral.
CLICK HERE for an article in the Royal Gazette (6th June) about the book launch.
On an evening when we had gathered to discuss the history of the Police Service, we were escorted into the PRC by an exceptionally smart group of young police cadets who are no doubt going to write new chapters in our rich history in years to come.
The book launch was very well attended, and Martin Buckley of the Bookmart at Brown and Company was on hand to sell copies of the book
There are a limited number of 500 signed hardback copies being sold at $60 per copy, along with a limited edition of 1,500 paperbacks at $36.00 per copy. There will be no reprints.
The books are being sold exclusively by the Bookmart on Front Street (where H.A. and E. Smith used to be located). To place an order, please visit the Bookmart. Anyone ordering from overseas can call Martin Buckley on 441-279-5443 between 9.00am and 5.30pm (AST).
The Bookmart accepts all major credit cards and will process the transaction during your call. Enquires are also welcome to Martin’s e-mail address, at 'mbuckley@psl.bm' but all purchases MUST be completed either in the store or over the telephone.
Shipping costs are as follows: UK $37.45. Canada: $28.60. United States: $27.15. These costs have been provided to us by Martin who can also provide shipping costs for other destinations including the West Indies and Australia.
We believe that anyone who has ever served in the Bermuda Police will find this book quite fascinating and will bring back lots of fond memories.