This Former Brooklyn Detective is Now a Bailiff on TV

Gina Findley, Brooklyn native and a former detective in the New York Police Department, said being a part of law enforcement always felt right. 

As a child, she always had a heart of a protector and would often jump into action when someone was getting bullied or when someone needed help, she said. 

After joining the NYPD Police Cadets Corps, an internship program that allows students to work in various police departments, Findley, who was raised in Brooklyn to Trinidadian immigrant parents, quickly realized that she could make law enforcement a lifelong career. From the program, Findley moved up the ranks and ​​received multiple promotions from police officer to Detective Specialist, and ultimately to Detective Second Grade, before she retired in 2024. 

But the ascent in her NYPD career wasn't always easy. As the NYPD is mainly comprised of men, Findley said it was often hard for her to find her footing. As a single mom and primary caretaker of her children, she had to find creative ways to make her schedule work for her family. 

“It was difficult for me because I had two daughters and the hours sometimes were kind of hectic,” Findley said. “Being single at home [and] being the only parent in the home and having to figure out child care— those things began to be difficult or an issue. Sometimes they get tired of hearing those excuses, but it's the reality, if you have a child.”

Now, with years of law enforcement experience under her belt, she is using her skill set in a new way– as the new bailiff on the CBS show HOT BENCH. 

The Emmy-nominated show is the first three-judge bench on television, where plaintiffs and defendants seek justice from a panel that debates the merits of each case before reaching a verdict.

Findley’s appearance on the show, which premiered its 12th season on Tuesday, wasn’t planned. The opportunity came about when her friend, who couldn’t audition for the opportunity, recommended her. 

After going through a few rounds of interviews, the turning point came when Findley met the executive producer of the show, David Theodosopoulos, who told her he still had a few potential prospects to consider. 

“I said to him, ‘I don't know who else is interviewing, but I am the one for this role. I know the show was nominated a few times, but if you choose me, this show will actually win the Emmy’”  

The transition from field work to television is like a breath of fresh air since it poses no real risk, she said. Though the cases presented are real, Findley, a Marine Park resident, said she rarely feels like her life is in danger.  

“I love being in front of a camera, [and] taking photos,” she added. “This is just an amazing opportunity. And if I had to sum it up in three words, I would say it was liberating, exciting and I'm just honored having chosen to be here.”  

As she becomes acquainted with showbiz, Findley hopes to make more TV appearances.

“I feel like I have a second part of life to live now, and I'm happy about it, and I really look forward to more opportunities,” she said.