The Bermuda Reserve Police led by Commandant Huw Lewis is proud to host the 2007 International Reserve Police Officers Association (IRPOA) Conference in Bermuda from Thursday, October 18th to Sunday, October 28th. This is the 12th gathering of the IRPOA with officers participating from the U.S.A., South Wales, Bahamas and Bermuda.

The purpose of the meetings is to exchange ideas of Reserve policing on an international basis and to foster brotherhood between the participating Reserve Police organizations. The conference started in 1996 when the Oakland County, Michigan (U.S.A.) Sheriff’s office agreed to an international exchange of officers with the U. K. and it has continued since then, alternating locations each year. This is the first time the conference has been held in Bermuda.

The Reserves were out on uniformed patrol in and around the City of Hamilton from 4pm Friday, October 19th to 4am Saturday, October 20th and 4pm Saturday, October 20th to 4am Sunday, October 21st. While on duty, the overseas guest officers noted that there was a very positive response from the public to the Bermuda Reserve Police officers as they went about their duties. On Sunday October 21st, the Reserve officers took part in a ‘Team Skills Day’ on Paget Island , which was the physical fitness aspect of the conference.

On Monday, October 22nd the Reserve Officers received information on a variety of topics, including domestic violence, internet crime involving the exploitation of minors, recruitment in various jurisdictions, financial crimes and Crime Stoppers. On Monday evening the Reserves were hosted by Acting Governor Mark Capes at Government House, where they had an opportunity to thank the local sponsors that helped make the conference possible.

On Tuesday, October 23rd, the Reserves toured the L. F. Wade International Airport and Harbour Radio. They were also taken onboard the Bermuda Police Service vessel ‘Guardian’ and watched a display by the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit.

Wednesday, October 24th was a ‘free day’, with conference activities resuming on Thursday, October 25th with a visit to the Westgate Correctional Facility. The final day of the conference is Friday, October 26th. The conference will officially come to a close Friday evening with a gala awards ceremony at the host hotel, Grotto Bay Beach . The overseas officers then depart on Saturday, October 27th and Sunday, October 28th.