precautionary move.

In a bid to quell any public concerns of mayhem on New Year's Day, Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay outlined the preparedness of the Service at a press conference with several of his senior officers yesterday.

The Commissioner said careful planning had been undertaken to ensure not only the Service's equipment is compliant but that systems in other key business operations, such as the hospitals, utility and fuel companies, docks, and hotels are also compliant.

Police chiefs from each of the three divisions, Central, Eastern and Western, were on hand at the conference.

Assurances that the emergency 911 telephone number will be operational, came from Michael Tucker head of Information & Technology for the Police.

"I can positively confirm that the 911 system is tested and is compliant,'' he said. "The Bermuda Telephone Company who provides the connection to the 911 system have also conducted Island-wide trials and we are confident that service to the public should not be affected.

"Nevertheless we have reviewed and in many cases tested, fall back plans to meet any eventuality. On the night itself we shall monitor events in other jurisdictions and take advantage of any lessons learned but we are positive that our internal systems from generators to speed guns will operate unabated.'' He added, "All our key electronic systems including the new radio system have been physically checked and in most cases tested and certified to assure compliance.

"Our technical preparation has focused on the need to ensure that there is no doubt that the Bermuda Police Service will operate before during and after the year 200O celebrations.'' Police have pre-ordered supplies and equipment that will ensure they remain operational for up to six months should a major problem develop.

Chief Inspector George Jackson said everything from computer equipment to vehicle parts and gasoline is being stored.

Noting that the service is still not up to strength, Commissioner Lemay stressed that with the help of Police Reserves, adequate staffing will be in effect over the New Year's holiday.