Scores of the Island’s children are to be honoured as part of Bermuda Police Service’s upcoming 135th anniversary celebrations.

Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva has launched the first Commissioner’s Vision Awards for Police Week and each of Bermuda’s schools have been asked to nominate five pupils who exemplify the values of the Service’s Code of Conduct.

These are professionalism, integrity, respect, accountability, dedication, courage and unity.

The initiative is an alternative to the annual Commissioner for a Day competition, in which a handful of youngsters get an inside look at policing and meet the Commissioner and his senior command.

“Commissioner for a Day was traditionally only open to primary and middle school students,” Mr DeSilva said. “This is open to all and it’s up to the schools to identify five students each who, through their work and attitudes and extra-curricular activities, best exemplify the Police Service’s core values — civic-minded students.

“We would like to recognise them and they will get a certificate and medal presented at their school.

“They are also all invited with their families to the Police Tattoo to recognise them as a group.”

The Tattoo will be held on Saturday, October 11, at the National Sports Centre in Devonshire and the public are encouraged to attend.

Star attraction will be the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band but local entertainers will also perform, including the Bermuda Regiment Band, the North Village Community Band, the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band, Showtime United Drumline and H&H Gombey.

The event is the Service’s grand finale to their Police Week celebrations, which officially begin this Saturday with the Police Gymkhana at the Police Field at Prospect from 10am to 4pm.

Entry to the Tattoo is free and the gates open at 6pm, with the show from 7-9pm.

Donations will be collected to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Bermuda and the Women’s Resource Centre.

For more information about Police Week’s series for free events for the public, visit www.bps.bm