release programmes, it was revealed last night.

The move could be part of a proposed reclassification of those deemed suitable for prison programmes.

It comes amid growing public anxiety over the day-release system.

Yesterday The Royal Gazette received reports of unsupervised prisoners entering a restaurant in the Dockyard area.

The report also said a man serving 10 years for his part in a murder was also seen in the area.

Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness last night admitted changes were in the pipeline.

They are likely to affect both supervised -- and unsupervised -- programmes.

But Mr. Edness reaffirmed his total commitment to the programmes, which have been suspended pending a prison review.

He said he hoped they would be restarted "very quickly''.

"We have been looking at the criteria laid down as to who goes on all work release programmes,'' he said.

Mr. Edness said violent offenders, including rapists, had been previously considered for unsupervised programmes on a "case by case'' basis.

This could now be changed -- a key plank in a package of measures being considered.

Other ideas in tightening up public security include: Tighter supervision, particularly in places near the public, with employers being reminded of their responsibility and duty to report anything untoward to Prison officers.

Tour guides at the Maritime Museum, in the grounds of which day-release prisoners have been carrying out conservation work on Commissioner's House.

Concern over day-release programmes has been expressed by Dockyard residents and shopkeepers.

West Enders have complained of rudeness and drunkenness among convicts employed by the West End Development Corporation.

One Bermudian claimed workers were let out of Casemates in the morning, and allowed to wander about unguarded until 4 p.m.

The Royal Gazette also received reports of prisoners congregating with girlfriends in the underground tunnel area of the Maritime Museum.

The day-release programmes, run from 8.30 a.m.-5 p.m., are designed to train inmates for normal work.

Inmates, who get paid, are specially selected for the programmes.

Last night Mr. Edness said he remained totally committed to programmes, which had generally proved very successful.

They acted as a crucial rehabilitative tool in preparing inmates for the world of work.

And they also provided indications whether prisoners were ready for release.

"They also provide a way of prisoners giving back something to the community,'' added Mr. Edness.

In addition, programmes provided a much-needed outlet for prisoners cooped up in Casemates.

"They relieve great tensions,'' said Mr. Edness.

He added prisoners confined to their cells all day could pose a security risk.

Mr. Edness agreed introducing tour guides at the Maritime Museum could be worth examining.

Yesterday, however, museum director Dr. Edward Harris said he believed guides could be costly.

He also questioned whether it was a good idea for visitors to be chaperoned everywhere.