Bermuda’s police are throwing a week-long party to celebrate the Service’s 135th anniversary — and the entire Island is invited.

Police Week kicks off next month and this year’s series of free events are bigger and better than ever before to mark the milestone.

The festivities are also designed to be a “thank you to the community”, according to Dwayne Caines, Bermuda Police Service’s public and media relations manager.

“We want to give a better understanding of who we are and encourage and establish relationships, especially with our young people,” he said.

“We want to connect and reconnect with members of our community and show the vast array of people and responsibilities the BPS has — the ranks of officers, reserve officers and support staff, and our relationships with retired and former officers.”

Ahead of the official Police Week celebrations, a lead-up event this Wednesday will involve a first-of-its-kind convoy of about 30 of the Service’s vehicles touring the Island.

“One of the most significant parts of our history is the police vehicles,” Mr Caines said.

“The vehicles showcase the Service’s history and the convoy will be an iconic visual moment.”

The collection will include a Jeep, a Land Cruiser, the Police Support Unit truck and Service motorcycles.

Noble Auto volunteered to redesign an old police Mazda, bus and motorcycles, and a lot of the work was carried out by their trainees from CedarBridge Academy.

“They are a true community partner,” Mr Caines said. “BPS would like to thank them for their role in ensuring this is a success.”

The convoy will leave the former bus depot on Beacon Hill, Sandys, at 10am and travel down Somerset Road and then Middle Road to North Shore Road to St George’s and St David’s, before returning to town and finishing at City Hall.

The vehicles will pass more than 30 schools and principals are encouraged to escort pupils outside to watch them pass and support the Service.

Police Week then officially kicks off on Saturday, October 4, with the famed Gymkhana.

Last year more than 150 entrants took part — and the Service is hoping for more than 200 this year.

“In the 1970s and 80s the Gymkhana was one of the largest events on the youth social calendar,” Mr Caines said. “There would be almost 500 people on the field. A lot of those boys and girls now have that as a fond memory — all the children used to come and show off their bike-riding skills. We want to reconnect with that passion.

“The public are welcome to come and spectate, bring your families.”

The Gymkhana will be held at the Police Field at Prospect from 10am until 4pm. Entrants are urged to register at www.bps.bm and those taking part must wear a helmet.

About 50 officers will also take part throughout the day — including in the notorious ‘Big Boys Race’ in which the Police Commissioner and senior officers from the Service and the Regiment compete against one another.

The following day, October 5, an Interfaith Service will be held at the CedarBridge Cafeteria from 10-11am, while on Monday, October 6, there is an Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Police Recreational Club at Prospect between 10am and 4pm.

“We’ve turned the Police Recreation Club into an art gallery and it’s open for public viewing,” Mr Caines said. “The art — about 15 to 20 pieces — will be by officers, former officers, staff, reserves, their families. We’ll have a silent auction and the money will go to our charities of choice for this year — Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Women’s Resource Centre.”

The hugely popular Senior’s Tea hosted by Commissioner Michael DeSilva is on Tuesday, October 7, from 11am and has been moved to Pier Six in Hamilton so the Service can welcome even more guests.

Last year at least 300 seniors attended and it is always “one of our most successful events”, Mr Caines said.

The history of the Service and “some little known facts” will be relayed to the public at a special lecture at TN Tatem Middle School on Tuesday, October 7, from 7-9pm.

The event was scheduled to be at BUEI but interest prompted a move.

Former officers and police historians Andy Bermingham, a retired detective superintendent, and Roger Sherratt, a retired chief inspector, will share their “vast knowledge”.

“It’s an opportunity for the public to be educated and informed about policing over the last 135 years,” Mr Caines said.

Bermuda Police staff past and present will take to the streets of Hamilton on Wednesday, October 8, at 11am, starting at Court Street and making their way along Front Street and up Queen Street to City Hall, led by the Bermuda Regiment Band.

“The public can stand shoulder to shoulder with these men and women and show our thanks and appreciation for their commitment and contribution to keeping Bermuda safe,” Mr Caines said. “At City Hall from noon we will be treated to a concert by our guests, the world renowned Royal Bahamas Police Force Band.”

Officers not taking part in the parade will be welcoming visitors to the Service’s “Open Houses”. Hamilton Station, Southside Station and the Dockyard Offices in the East End will be throwing open their doors to the public between 10am and 3pm on October 8, offering tours, answering questions and providing crime prevention tips.

“It’s an opportunity to talk to officers and make contact, establish a rapport,” Mr Caines said. “We want to be very accessible, come and establish relationships.”

A Memorial Service honouring late officers and those who died on duty will be held at the Police Cemetery at Prospect from 11am on Friday, October 10. Governor George Fergusson will attend and lay a wreath.

“It’s a mark of respect and remembrance,” Mr Caines said. “We’re paying tribute to officers who have passed on, especially who have died in service.”

Police Week then bows out with a bang on Saturday, October 11, with a spectacular Tattoo at the National Sports Centre in Devonshire.

Star attraction is the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, which has a rich and acclaimed history of performing dating back 120 years.

“The Tattoo is the climax of Police Week 2014,” Mr Caines said. “The 50-piece Royal Bahamas Police Force Band will be on the Island and will be the highlight.

“The Bermuda Regiment Band will perform, as will local acts such as the North Village Band and Showtime United. It’s our gesture to the community, our gift to the community to say thank you for your support and belief in Bermuda Police Service.”

The Tattoo, like all of the Police Week events, will be free but donations will be sought on Saturday for Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Women’s Resource Centre.

The Tattoo gates open at 6pm with the show from 7-9pm and there will be parking at Roberts Avenue.

For more information about any of the Police Week events, visit www.bps.bm/content/police-week-2014