Bailiffs have been given new badges to boost their credibility - but aggressive debtors beware - they have also been given the rudiments of using nondeadly force.

They have been taught by head bailiff and karate black belt Bob Smith who said coping with violence is part of the job.

He said: "There are a number of incidents where bailiffs have been attacked.

"One bailiff was attacked with a machete while making his first arrest. Luckily he wasn't hurt because he got out of the way and the gentleman ran."

Another bailiff, Shirley Smith, said she was nearly run over by someone trying to escape her clutches.

"We have had people bitten by dogs and chased with machetes. If they are known to be extremely violent we get the assistance of the Police."

He has shown his staff how to easily subdue violent attackers using a technique taught to the FBI and CIA.

They will be given a more thorough grounding in the Compliance, Direction, Takedown technique in the coming weeks.

It's used to quickly brings attackers to their senses without injury by grabbing vulnerable spots such as fingers and applying pressure - as he demonstrated to the brief discomfort of a reporter during a visit by The Royal Gazette last week.

Mr. Smith said the workload had increased since he became a bailiff in 1995.

He said: "More people are getting into debt. Either they are not taking care of their responsibilities or more people are taking action. Or it's a combination of those things."

Debtors can find their assets up for auction, although once the advert is placed, many come to their senses and settle up.

Others do not and end up losing huge assets, either at auctions or private sales approved by the courts.

"We auctioned some real estate for close to $1 million. I also sold a ship for $9 million. The Account General's office called to see if I had made a mistake. They had never seen so much money."

Deadbeat dads withholding child support make up the bulk of debt recovery, said Mr. Smith.

"One owed in excess of $50,000, unbelievable! I got a call this morning about one owing more than $20,000. The father has been off the Island for around five years."

Tracking down debtors is not always easy, said Mr. Smith, adding being a bailiff is never routine, saying: "It's a 24-hour job."

An early morning visit is a very effective way of nabbing elusive targets who are ignoring summonses. "Most times they are more compliant at that time."

However his team only visits homes and work places. "Otherwise we would be all over the place. We are not an investigative agency."

He hopes the metal badges, unveiled last week, will also boost the authenticity of his team on the doorstep.

They were designed by Mr. Smith on computer after adapting the judicial crest of the courts.

He said: "Before this all we had was an identity card like a driver's licence. It wasn't really being recognised by the public as official.

"It was recommended long ago that we get new badges so when I took the helm I designed them."

The legal road can be cumbersome, admitted Mr. Smith, who said the first step is the summons to either admit or dispute the debt.

If the case continues the debtor will agree to pay a certain sum each week. And if they default, another summons is issued for them to come back to court for a judgment summons.

Mr. Smith said: "The client has to pay more fees to take out this summons."

If the debtor defaults, a warrant for arrest is issued and if they ignore this a committal to prison summons is issued.

Mr. Smith believes the first two processes should be combined, saying: "You have already promised to pay. Why bring them back to say the same thing? But the legislation would have to be changed."

But the job has its rewards, says Shirley Smith, who believes it is possible to have a good day as a bailiff despite the constant stress.

She said: "I try to help people, to show them how to manage money. I am a compassionate bailiff. If I have helped someone somewhere it's a positive thing."