size of his force -- and boost morale.

The plea is in a report which has just hit his desk after a review of the Police.

Morale was linked with the strength of manpower.

The report -- not yet made public -- also focuses on pumping up morale by improving relationships between Policemen.

And it uncovers no evidence of Police corruption, despite some people's fears.

Clues about the report's contents were revealed at a Press conference yesterday attended by Mr. Edwards and those who wrote it.

"We have made some recommendations that the Commissioner try to get numbers up,'' said school principal Mr. Dale Butler.

He said investigations had shown low manpower did damage morale.

"Most of the recommendations will not require a tremendous amount of finance.

We believe the report will be totally accepted.'' The report followed Judge Stephen Tumim's probe into Bermuda's criminal justice system.

Judge Tumim is the Chief Inspector of Prisons in England and Wales.

One of his proposals was for a team to examine the Police "as a public service with particular attention to developing work in the community and improving public confidence''.

A nine-strong committee -- headed by Mr. Butler and Supt. Andrew Bermingham -- was formed.

It has now written a report, but the recommendations have not yet been revealed.

Yesterday Mr. Butler said his committee examined four areas: The Police's role as a public service with a view to boosting public confidence; Police community projects, and how they can be improved; How the Police's image could be enhanced; and Ways of improving Police links with the public.

"Members have worked hard and diligently, meeting on a weekly basis,'' said Mr. Butler. "Additionally, we spent many hours in the community interviewing people from all walks of life.

"Their input provided invaluable assistance, and the public cooperation is to be applauded.

"We appreciate the insight given by senior officers and the overall response by members of the Police Service.'' Mr. Butler applauded Mr. Edwards' "courage'' in asking the committee to investigate and make wide-ranging proposals.

"This cannot have been an easy choice for you, especially as no major review has been undertaken for many years.

"We hope our recommendations will provide you with some insight and guidance for the future.

"Some can be acted upon immediately. Others will take time and training. You asked us to point the force in the right direction, and we hope our recommendations will do that.

"A healthy community relationship must be based upon mutual respect. We feel confident that the Bermuda Police can accomplish this objective under your leadership.'' Mr. Butler said there was nothing in the report which touched on national security.

"We believe it will enhance the Police service.'' He added: "The bulk of the report concentrates on internal developments that need to take place in order that the Police do a more effective job in the community.'' Mr. Butler said "interpersonal relations'' between the Police were put under the microscope, and the public attitude towards the service.

Changing the Police Force to the Police Service was also addressed, along with training and welfare programmes.

On allegations of corruption, Mr. Butler said there was no evidence to support them.

And he said the committee was very impressed by the "high calibre'' of Policemen.

They tried to the best of their ability to serve the public.

Mr. Butler said creating a motto and a "mission statment'' for the service were also examined.

Mr. Edwards accepted changes had to be made, and pledged the report would not gather dust.

He pointed out the Police had already acted on some Tumim proposals.

For instance, the Project Ride scheme -- which helps improve youngsters' road skills -- had been relaunched.

Mr. Edwards, who received a copy of the report yesterday, declined to say when its recommendations would be publicised. PHOTO Police Commissioner Mr. Lennet (Lennie) Edwards.