The head of a group working to improve relations between the Police and the people has called for parental and community assistance.

Police Eastern Divisional Consultative Committee chairman W.A. (Toppy) Cowen also noted that despite several accomplishments, other committee efforts to improve community life had not received support.

He told The Royal Gazette : "An unsupportive community that views Bermuda's social and criminal problems as insignificant can expect a rude awakening and the consequences, if unchecked, could almost be unsurmountable if we do not have an action plan to solving problems facing us today.'' Mr. Cowen said it was not possible to increase the Police Service's manpower in order to respond to local problems.

"Therefore we need the involvement of the entire community so that we can draw in people to reflect the view of their own neighbourhood, and foster links with the Police Service,'' he said.

He recognised the need for trust between the community and the Police if this was to be achieved and pointed out where specific help could come from.

"The rebuilding of trust is critical.

"However, we need the commitment from parents who can cause positive links between young people and the Police.

"With this in mind, it is the intention of the Consultative Committee to have ongoing interaction with the community that will create an atmosphere of trust and vision for the future.'' Mr. Cowen applauded the efforts of the Resistance Education and Community Help programme (REACH) which helps young people understand and accept principles of good citizenship and good social behaviour.

The committee, which was set up last year, has the objectives of working toward a sustained improvement in relations between the community and the Police and promoting agreed solutions to local problems.

Since last August, when the committee worked to change drink laws, Miniatures are now not allowed to be sold from supermarkets and convenience stores.

It has also caused street lights to be installed in both Spittal Pond parking lots in an effort to discourage youths congregating there and pack racing.