Policeman Derrick Golding is 24 years old, has been out of college for 18 months and has already been promoted to detective.

He is one of three Bermuda Police Service cadets who have taken part in the BPS' Further Education Programme which offers funding for qualified Bermudians to attain their Bachelor's degree. Kristyn Minors, who graduated from the New England Institute of Technology this month, is now a Police Constable; Stephen Dill is finishing his degree at the University of Tampa.

Yesterday Minister of Home Affairs David Burch, Police Commissioner Mike DeSilva and Sergeant Fiona Miller praised the success of the cadets who have taken advantage of the education programme.

Mr. DeSilva said: "We have the first three cadets who are [taking], or have taken advantage of the further education programme. What [Mr. Golding] has demonstrated is that if you get a solid education before Police training it puts you in better stead to handle the training.

"This is not a fast track. This is an education programme before Police training."

And Mr. DeSilva added that the Service wanted to highlight the programme now because they are always looking for Bermudians interested in serving their Country and enhancing their education.

Minister Burch added: "This is one of the more pleasant tasks for a Minister. The community of Bermuda is witnessing the benefits of well-trained officers."

The Police Cadet Programme has been in existence since the early 1960s and graduated hundreds of cadets who have gone on to a career in policing or other pursuits in society.

In 1997 the programme suffered a brief hiatus for a number of reasons including financial constraints. In February 2000 funding was secured and the programme was reinstated.

There are currently eight serving cadets three males and five females of which seven are working toward their Associate's degree at the Bermuda College. Mr. Dill, the eighth cadet, is working on his BSc in Accounting.

The tertiary education programme — which offers $20,000 a year for up to three years for qualified Bermudians to attain a Bachelor's degree abroad — began in 2005 with Government's support. Before cadets can enter the programme however they must attain a Bermuda College Associate's degree. Upon graduation from a university abroad, they must serve with the Police for five years.

Ms Minors completed her Bachelor's degree in Information Technology Networking at New England Institute of Technology, Rhode Island this month.

The 24-year-old joined the BPS in 2004 and completed an Associate's degree in Computer Information Systems at the Bermuda College in May 2007.

She is now working with the BPS Technology Department while waiting for the next BPS recruitment course. She says that she entered the service because she thought they needed more Bermudians.

"Actually when I came in I felt there was a need for more Bermudians and being a young, black, female Bermudian I thought I could come in and help," she said, "I see it as a long-term career."

Said Sgt. Miller, the cadet training officer: "I believe the cadet programme is a great opportunity for young people. We are encouraging you to get your education and at the same time you are trained.

"Their primary function is to go to school, but during the summer they are attached to the different departments.

"I make the decision where they go so it's rotated all the time. If they have done officer's training then they can do operational duties."

For more information contact Sgt. Miller: recruiting@bps.bm or 299-4304.