Armed Police officers will be on patrol over the Bermuda Day weekend, aided by CCTV cameras as they monitor the race and parade.

Reserve officers have been called in as back-up as has a team from GET Security.

This comes after April's Annual Exhibition saw a stepped-up Police presence over the three-day family event.

Those who went saw metal detector wands and booths at all points of entry and CCTV at various locations around the Botanical Gardens.

Superintendent Martin Weekes announced the upcoming security measures at a press conference yesterday.

"From a Police point of view, we will be looking at safety for the community as a whole for the weekend," he said. "Obviously we are concerned about recent acts of disorder and we will be stepping up our officers both over the weekend and Monday to prevent any incidents of disorder."

Road behaviour will be closely monitored, the Superintendent added.

"Some of the things that I would like to talk about are traffic matters and trying to avoid the collisions and some of the other offences. The last couple of years have been bad for collisions. We are encouraging the public to drive safely. We encourage the public not to drink and drive.

"Our officers will be assisted by marshals to make sure people taking part in the race and the parade can do so safely. We ask everybody to be vigilant and realise that the road closures are there for a reason."

Post-parade celebrations will take place in Victoria Park this year instead of Bernard Park.

"We will be monitoring the crowd. We will have cameras out. We will be partnering with GET Security and we will be monitoring both the parade, race and the park areas with a view to detect and prevent crime.

"[Police] units, assisted by their colleagues from the Bermuda Reserve Police, will be paying particular attention to incidents of public disorder, weapons possession and public drug misuse. Certainly, those persons who are not deterred by the presence of the Police and commit these offences can expect to be promptly arrested and delivered to the courts."

He continued: "I would like to encourage all members of Bermuda that it's our weekend. It's Bermuda Day weekend. Please try and think about everyone. We don't want this event spoiled by people's behaviour.

"We encourage everyone to think about other people and observe what your family and friends are doing. We don't want bloodshed and the use of firearms to spoil it for the whole of Bermuda. I want everybody to think about that."

Added road safety officer David Minors: "We are here to encourage and remind our community that in spite of all the celebrations that are going on, please adhere to the rules of the road especially during this holiday season.

"Bermuda Day is our opportunity to celebrate all that is great about Bermuda. Let us continue to work together to ensure that we all are alive and well to celebrate life long after this festive time is over."