The impartiality of ‘Policing Paradise’, a production to be aired by the BBC, was questioned following a Bermuda Police Service’s post which advises:
Understandably, the BBC’s impartiality was questioned particularly given Martin Weekes, Ass. CoP, reportedly advised “they (the film crew) are here to show Bermuda in a positive light”.
The BBC were asked how objectivity, editorial integrity, impartiality, independence and acting in the public interest reconciled? How does the BBC adhere to standards of accuracy and help the public make informed decisions by includes presenting a balanced view on controversial subjects? Their response:
The police press release to which you refer is factually incorrect.
The BBC does not give editorial control to contributors, we have however worked with the Bermuda Police Service to ensure factual accuracy, as is standard practice.
(full response here)
The BBC have been asked what they have done to seek correction of the erroneous, misleading statements brought to their attention months ago and the issue has been escalated to Ofcom.
The BPS has been asked to evidence its statement.
The BPS post explains the film crew ‘will be mainly filming “feel good” stories involving our officers and their daily lives policing Bermuda. This TV programme is designed to show Bermuda, the BPS and the RBR Coastguard in a good light, while encouraging UK citizens to consider visiting the island‘. Once again, there is an indication of bias. Yet, in 2024, the year of the Spun Gold filming for the BBC:
- a UK constabulary review of the BPS found a toxic culture
- staffing at 360 is well under the desired strength. The 500 cited by the BCC is woefully inaccurate.
- the most murders were records for a considerable time – ‘when it was pointed out that there were nine murders in Bermuda last year, Mr Weeks is said to have replied that It could have been 20 murders’ – read more here: ‘Weeks unveils strategy for ramping up war on crime‘
- out of date crime statistics yet assaults are up almost 20%
- police fired their first shots as suspects
- knife crime is rife
- gangs are present
- DNA evidence is causing issues – one quashed murder conviction this far
- Many officers are the subject of disciplinary action, a process that requires review – retiring out of trouble remains an option.
- The costs & conduct of a former commissioner continue to cause problems – a search warrant issue.
- A senior officer fired, a FoI officer dismissed
Contrary to a BBC statement; “Policing Paradise is NOTHING like the real-life Death in Paradise – a crime comedy drama television series; there is little to laugh about crime or policing in Bermuda – read more here.
Royal Gazette & BerNews have reiterated ‘The BPS senior leadership team will review all footage before it can be included in the series, and all proposed episodes will be vetted by the BPS before release for broadcast´
Policing in Bermuda – like a crime comedy drama?
Bermudians be on your best behaviour