A Canadian has been appointed to a key civilian Police job.

Byron Rafuse will start today as the new head of finance and administration.

He will work directly under Deputy Commissioner Michael Mylod who last night described the appointment as "absolutely key'' for the Service.

"He will give us our own in-house expertise on financial strategy and planning,'' added Mr. Mylod. "He really will become a very important advisor.'' The appointment is one of several civilian management posts being created by Police Commissioner Colin Coxall. Bermudian Suzette Edmead was appointed as human resources manager.

Recently Shadow Home Affairs Minister Alex Scott criticised a decision to advertise the finance post abroad.

He said top jobs within the Bermuda Police Service should go to Bermudians.

On Friday he said the appointment was "regrettable'', adding he was sure that out of the hundreds of finance workers in Bermuda one could be found to fill the post.

"No-one can convince me that the Police Service cannot find someone with the appropriate background and training on this Island,'' added Mr. Scott.

"I am greatly dismayed that the Commissioner, Governor and Government go overseas for talent for the Police.

"If they are going to have a community Police operation, jobs must come from the community.'' Mr. Mylod said: "We did advertise locally and we could not find a suitable applicant. We then sought, and received, permission from the Public Service Commission to advertise overseas.'' He said Mr. Rafuse was the first Canadian to work for the Bermuda Police Service, with other overseas appointments being made from Britain.

"It is absolutely imperative that we get first class people for the job,'' he said, adding that the Service's overall policy remained towards Bermudianisation of posts.

Mr. Rafuse, who is single, has been appointed on a three-year contract and will be responsible for financial planning, strategic planning, budgeting and management of resources and administration.

Meanwhile, the civilianisation of Police officers' posts continues to move ahead -- as they advertise for a new person to run the recreation club at a salary of $47,000.

Mr. Coxall estimates that more than 80 Police posts can be civilianised, freeing officers for fighting crime.

Other posts being advertised for civilians include a finance administrative assistant and accounts clerk.

POLICE POL