National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief believes the police have “got it covered” when it comes to balancing the books.Mr Perinchief today spoke out about how the Bermuda Police Service was managing “the best it could” with this year’s reduced budget. He said even if they did need further help in the next few months, he would step in and reallocate funds to stop them running out of money.The Royal Gazette has previously reported on concerns that the police were running low on funds and could need more money by the end of the financial year.It comes after this year’s Police budget was reduced to $58 million a cut of $7.5 million or 11 percent.But Mr Perinchief said there would be no changes to front line policing or crime-fighting tactics as “if needs be” Government would step in.He said: “So far they (the police) don’t seem to have money issues. It is looking good for the remaining few months.“But if they should do so before the end of the financial year, then we shall address them.“If funds are low the Police Commissioner can always ask for supplementary amounts when he needs to.“Should the Commissioner apply for further funds, the Minister of Finance has already said she will make sure the police continue to work efficiently”.Mr Perinchief, who is a former assistant police commissioner, said he didn’t know of any areas where the police were in need of money and “hadn’t had any indication” that it would happen soon.He said he was under the impression that “everything was covered” and praised Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva for reducing costs.Mr Perinchief said the additional officers being brought in to investigate Bermuda’s murders had already been budgeted for and unscheduled overtime caused by serious crimes had been addressed.As part of their weekly rota, officers of all ranks are now scheduled to be on-call from home. They are on standby to attend scenes of crime as and when needed, but are not paid unless called out.Mr Perinchief added: “It’s not going to be a calamity. If there is a shortfall, it won’t be much; it will be a manageable shortfall.“If and when that happens, funds will be granted”.Mr Perinchief continues to plan ahead with budget matters when he gets together with Mr DeSilva twice a week.However, the Bermuda Police Association and government negotiators are due to get together to discuss a new rate of pay next year.But Mr Perinchief said, “there will not necessarily be a pay increase” suggesting that Government will only pay the cost of living increase.The One Bermuda Alliance’s Throne Speech Reply highlighted the importance of effective policing as “our quality of life is under siege”.It goes on to say that there are some aspects of policing that cannot be cut as cutbacks make the fight against crime more difficult.OBA leader Craig Cannonier said: “The OBA earlier this year expressed serious concern that the Police were given fewer resources to fight crime, particularly in the midst of a gang violence problem that was growing, not diminishing.“The Government’s slashing of the Police budget by 11 percent in the midst of this crime crisis sent the wrong signal to Bermuda and contradicted its public statements on the issue.“The Police Service needs to be given all the support it needs to get the job done. They cannot be expected to fight crime on the one hand and fight Premier Cox’s Finance Ministry on the other.“Giving them less while the demands on their manpower grow is no way to run this vital operation”.UBP leader Kim Swan questioned what the future held for Bermuda with the police having to do more work with less money. He fears criminals could “capitalise” on budget shortages.He said: “We consider this issue serious and we urge Government who are responsible for the police budget to find a suitable resolution that doesn’t adversely impact on public safety”.The Bermuda Police Service would not comment, referring all budget questions to the Ministry of National Security.