sweeping Government cutbacks.

It would bring the total of Police job losses to 42 over the last 18 months.

And yesterday Police Commissioner Mr. Lennett (Lennie) Edwards sounded alarm bells over any cuts: "It means a lesser service, with a slower response time.'' Police chiefs, however, are still looking at ways of avoiding the axe.

One possibility is salary cuts -- although this could fuel simmering discontent.

"We have to look at all the options,'' said Mr. Edwards.

Mr. Edwards, who took up his post four months ago, said Police would be lobbying Government over the cutbacks.

The jobs fear follows a tightening of purse strings by the Finance Ministry.

Slimmed-down Government departments have already been forced to shave costs.

Now they have been hit by further cutbacks as part of ongoing plans to slash expenditure, and make Government more efficient.

Nearly 90 percent of the Police budget goes towards salaries, the rest covers equipment.

To meet the demands Police manpower has dived from 489 to 462 over 18 months.

This week Mr. Edwards discussed the Budget pressures with the Police Association.

The Police are anxious to plan ahead, looking to 1993 and 1994.

"We are exploring every avenue to see where we can make cuts outside manpower,'' he said. "We are examining these issues on a regular basis with the Police Association.'' He warned, however: "There is a possibility of reducing the force by another 15 or so.'' Mr. Edwards said the option of Police officers foregoing pay rises, or taking a salary cut was also under discussion.

But he revealed a drastic overtime cut had already caused some tension within the ranks.

The cut, by around 50 percent, was imposed well over a year ago.

"It has caused practical difficulties, with some friction and concern,'' said Mr. Edwards.

"There is consternation among young people, in particular, who are struggling with mortgages.'' Mr. Edwards refused to be critical of Government over the cutbacks, declaring Police would treat them as a challenge.

"We recognise cuts are being made across the board, and we appreciate why they are being made. All Bermuda is hurting,'' he said.

"We will, however, be making some representations to Government.'' Mr. Edwards suggested Police manpower reductions would hamper efficiency, although law and order would be maintained.

Petty crime was on the increase -- including assaults and domestic violence.

"Crime does not go down during a recession. If anything it goes up,'' he pointed out.

"It should also be remembered we have other duties to perform, such as guarding facilities.'' Mr. Edwards recoiled from any suggestion Police morale was at a low ebb.

He pointed out Police had recently received a pay rise, and working conditions were excellent.

Fierce criticism over the cutbacks, however, was mounted yesterday by Independent MP Mr. Harry Viera.

He accused Government of flashing the green light to criminals.

"I fully appreciate the Finance Minister's desire to cut Government expenditure, but to cut back further in Police expenditure is incredible when the first duty of a Government is to protect the lives and prosperity of its citizens.'' Mr. Viera warned of an increase in crime, fearing it could reach epidemic proportions as the economy weakens.

"By cutting Police expenditure further, Government is giving the green light to criminals.

"It should instead cut Civil Service salaries and perks. Government Information Services, for example, could be abolished.'' Mr. Viera also called for a watchdog committee of MPs and businessmen to scrutinise Government expenditure.

"We should spare the Police in these times,'' he added.