The pride of Bermuda policing was shown yesterday amid pomp and ceremony with crowds of people watching the first Police Parade, a part of Police Week 2007.

At Police headquarters in Prospect, groups from most of the Island's primary and some nursery schools gathered to watch a striking Police demonstration, supported by the Bermuda Regiment Band.

This week the Bermuda Police Service marks 128 years of existence and to mark the occasion it is putting on Police Week 2007.

Acting Police Commissioner Roseanda Young said: "Our motto for Police Week is our youth. 'Today they follow, tomorrow they lead.'

"Police week is a very important time for us. We have specifically set time aside to foster working relationships with our community."

The declaration started with statements from Acting Governor Mark Capes, Public Safety and Housing Minister David Burch and other dignitaries.

A march and show of discipline was well-received by the crowd and it marked the first time the Police Service carried real guns during a parade.

One spectator, Cassius Fevriere, a hotel banquet manager and a Reserve Constable, was very pleased with the displays and the large turnout of children, who looked on inquisitively.

"The children are well behaved," he stated, "I think this is an excellent service and I think it's a great job."

Mr. Capes emphasised that in any country, policing remains a very challenging but rewarding job.

"Being able to serve and protect your fellow citizens brings its own rewards and the Police's performance will affect everyone that lives in or visits Bermuda," he said.

Moreover, he said the performance of the Police has far reaching effects, such as on investors considering whether the Island is the right place to do business.

While confidence in the Police has been shown to be low in recent polls, Mr. Fevriere suggested maybe the public should be doing more.

"I have confidence in the Police," he said. "I think they do a very good job of solving crime. However, I think the Police are not getting enough support from the public.

"The public needs to help the Police more in solving crimes."

Meanwhile yesterday, it was the Police K9 Unit that had school children almost jumping out of their seats with excitement as they watched six Belgium Shepard dogs display their crime-fighting tactics.

Held on the Upper Police field, pupils watched as 'bad guys' were taken to the ground by the well-trained animals, who are conditioned to take commands in Dutch.

The dogs' abilities to sniff out drugs and airport security tactics were also featured.