Police are hoping to lure recent college graduates to join the September recruit camp with starting salaries of $70,000.

New officers previously earned approximately $59,000, before the Service reached an agreement for a substantial increase in September last year.

"The desire to serve your Country, though, is the main thing," Chief Inspector Martin Weekes said as a means of raising interest in service over salary. "The service also offers a career within a career. We have 25 different careers within the force and there is a lot of lateral movement so it can offer a lot of variety."

He added that the Service is nearing full strength but that, given the reduced hirings brought on by the current economic client, the hope was that persons might now consider it a more attractive option than in years past.

Bonuses, according to Insp. Weekes, include one of the most comprehensive health insurance packages on the Island, free gym membership and 24 vacation days a year. The next recruitment camp starts in September, and lasts 16 weeks.

Sergeant Fiona Miller who is a recruitment officer said they were looking for recent graduates in good health with no criminal background as well as persons between 19 and 49 looking to change their career path. For more information visit any Police station on the Island or go to www.bermudapolice.bm.