Guest workers and tourists alike rely on the Police when in they're trouble but if they can't speak English, that can prove a problem.

Now, in an effort to offer a better service to Bermuda's increasingly diverse population, the Police are recruiting new interpreters.

They've already got volunteers who can speak a wide range of languages including Croatian, German, French, Dutch, Japanese and even sign language.

However, they are now looking for others who speak Polish, Russian, Cantonese, Filipino, Arabic, French-Canadian, Greek, Portuguese or Turkish to boost their resources.

According to Mark Crampton who's in charge of modernising the Police through the new Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) the help of an interpreter is required two or three times per month on average.

He explained: "There are times we get people in custody and witnesses to crime that can't speak English.

"It's important that we glean information from the time they're detained.

"But if they're under arrest we must still exercise a duty of care to ensure they understand they're under caution, and understand where they are and that they've been arrested.

"We need to ask them if they want a lawyer and do they want their consulate called. These might be people who live and work in Bermuda who don't speak good English, but also people who come here on holiday and perhaps get involved in an accident.

"We have a list of translators we've been using for the last 20 years, and we're updating that list. Some of them have moved, some have left the Island or are not interested.

"So we're appealing to the community of Bermuda for people who can speak these languages well, and can translate them, and of course can speak good English."

As well as translating interviews and statements, the interpreters are sometimes asked to provide a written translation and give evidence in court about it.

They may be called out of hours to attend a Police station, which could include entering the custody area and sitting with the prisoner.

Full training will be provided, and the translators are paid for their work and travelling expenses.

Applicants must have permission to work on the Island without the need for a permit, so guest workers are not suitable for the role.

Marc Morabito, a French accountant who's lived in Bermuda for 40 years, assists the Police and the Bermuda Hospitals Board with French, Spanish and German.

During the last Rugby Classic tournament, he came to the aid of a French rugby player who found himself in trouble during a night out.

"He came to the defence of one of his colleagues that was being attacked and he couldn't speak any English.

"He'd broken a rib during the game that day and when the Police came to arrest him and put pressure on his chest he was complaining they were hurting him," recalled Mr. Morabito.

The rugby player was detained on suspicion of violently resisting arrest but Mr. Morabito was able to explain the situation once he was called in to translate.

He also assisted the hospital in the past when a plane full of Spanish-speaking passengers had to touch down in Bermuda en route to Puerto Rico due to extreme turbulence.

Many of the passengers ended up in hospital with injuries, and he was called upon to translate for them.

"I just consider it a community service, using whatever small skills I have for the community," explained Mr. Morabito, who encouraged others who enjoy being of service to sign up to help.

Anyone interested should contact Police Constable Julie Gardiner on jgardiner@bps.bm or call her on 299-1901 for an application form.