An event at the weekend will put police officers front and centre for Bermuda’s older residents, an organiser said yesterday.

Constable Terry Paynter said the event was designed to serve as a “reassurance for the seniors”.

She explained: “To let them know that we are looking out for them and we are supporting their needs. We are here to support you.”

Ms Paynter was speaking about the Seniors’ Awareness Event, which will be held on Saturday. The event is being put on by the Bermuda Police Services’ Eastern Community Action Team.

Police officers will be on hand to discuss seniors’ concerns and give advice on crime prevention.

Ms Paynter said that crime prevention would cover topics including home and property security. She said that the event would also introduce seniors to community partners they might not know about — including island charity Age Concern.

Ms Paynter said that the event was a proactive step by police to help build relationships between the BPS and Bermuda’s growing number of seniors.

She added that concerns over the visibility of police officer in the community was a popular complaint from seniors.

Claudette Fleming, the executive director of Age Concern, said that safety had always been important to its members.

Dr Fleming added: “Social events like these not only get the word out but also create opportunity to reinforce a nurturing community.”

Stephen Corbishley, the Commissioner of Police, this month promised a fresh commitment to the parish constables.

Ms Paynter said the constables would serve as a familiar face on patrol in the neighbourhoods.

She added: “We have a lot of seniors that are home alone. So when somebody pops in, it’s a godsend for them.”

Ms Paynter said that introducing police officers to residents at the weekend event would help build trust.

She explained: “They’ll call us a lot sooner — they’ll let us know.”

The event takes place at St Mark’s Church Hall, in Smith’s, from 10am to 2pm.

For more information contact 247-1337 or 717-0952.