of officers in the Service, it was revealed yesterday.

The Police Association claim unless more Police are employed the safety of officers and the public could be jeopardised.

And they say more officers are needed if Police Commissioner Colin Coxall's far-reaching Service Strategy to combat crime is to be properly implemented.

"We will be approaching Government to review the number of officers because the present number is not applicable under the current Service Strategy,'' said Association secretary P.c. Nicholas Pedro.

"The Association is in active consultation with the Commissioner on this and other issues.

"We see increased manpower levels within the Police Service as our number one priority for the safety of the public and our members,'' added P.c. Pedro.

Former Police Commissioner Leonard (Lenny) Edwards cut the size of the establishment to 432 from 489 officers due to Government budget cuts.

But the issue came to a head yesterday after it was revealed there were currently only 405 officers, although the number will increase when 18 recruits finish training later this year.

It is understood that officers were recently taken from different departments to plug gaps in front-line services.

Recently the Commissioner has also acknowledged the lack of officers, which he said was hindering crime fighting.

"Approximately seven percent of the Police Service was lost through retirements and resignations in 1996 and it is the loss of seasoned Police officers that is of particular concern,'' he said.

"It takes many years of practical policing to gain the necessary knowledge and experience to make a good uniformed or plain clothes officer.

"This is not to say we have a shortage of experienced officers, but if we were to lose seven percent of our strength every year, this could cause problems,'' added P.c. Pedro.

The Police Association says it appreciates Mr. Coxall's efforts to increase the Service's establishment through civilianisation.

Twenty-seven civilians were hired last year to release officers from desk duty and another 15 will be hired this year.

A more aggressive recruiting campaign is also underway focusing more on hiring mature people who are more likely to serve longer.

In addition the size of the Police Reserve has doubled from 60 two years ago to 120 now.

P.c. Pedro added: "We would like to see a review by Government and we will be approaching them to review the establishment with a view to increasing the numbers.

"We feel that the current number is not applicable under the new Service Strategy structure which gives new responsibilities.'' Last night the Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness said he had sympathy for the request, but the current priority was the structure of the Police Service.

"I am aware that we could possibly use more manpower but we have not made any formal request because the basic organisation needs to come first and that is taking place now.

"While I have sympathy for the thrust of their requests I think they are going about it in the right way, discussing it with the Commissioner and I am sure in due course the Commissioner will bring it to the Government.''