The Bermuda Police Service has stepped up its campaign to bring in fresh talent by appointing a full time recruitment officer to help swell the ranks.

Sgt. Paul Singh has been assigned to the full-time post to help organise applications and arrange entrance tests and interviews for the two training courses held each year.

A 16-week training course will begin on April 1 with 18 new recruits embarking on fresh careers, but the drive to fill September's course is already underway.

Sgt. Singh said: "The new course will be starting on September 3 and we have already received 14 applications for it.

"If people are interested in a career in the Police Service they should get in touch with us soon. There is no guarantee that they will simply walk in - we had 72 people apply for the course that is about to begin.

"The course is intensive, but the Police Service is a great profession to be in, and I would certainly encourage people to apply."

Head of the training school Chf. Insp. Charles Mooney said the perception in the rest of the Force was probably that standards had lowered for new recruits, but he said that was not the case.

He said high standards still had to be met in order for applicants to make it through each section of the hiring process, which includes a written and physical test, medical, background check and interview.

The Chief Inspector said: "We are looking for people at the moment to join the Service. It's a 365 day project.

"The attrition rate for the average year is about 30 officers. We would like at least 18 people on each of the two courses, but we can take up to 30 on each one.

"I believe there are many reasons to join the Service, besides paying back the community. Every day is different because you never know what is going to happen. There are excellent opportunities for promotion and development and the salaries and benefits are very competitive. It is a very rewarding career.

"What we look for in our recruits is professionalism, respect, accountability, integrity, unity, dedication and courage.

"People between the ages of 19 and 49 can join. You don't have to be in your 20s, as some people think. In the last few courses we have had people in their 40s who have joined - the average age of the next course is 31."

Anyone interested in applying to the Police should collect an application form from any Police station or call Sgt. Singh with queries on 299-4304, or Chf. Insp Mooney on 299-4365.