on the streets -- likely replaced by a private security firm.

Police had hoped the Service would be beefed up this month through civilianising the Police Airport jobs, but Government has not made the change as quickly as originally planned, said Police spokesman Insp. Roseanda Jones.

The officers man gates to make sure nobody gets on the runway, help with parking regulations, and provide 24-hour security.

The Police Service's established strength is 489, but it is currently at about 429, a spokesman said.

Government has promised to put more officers on the street by using civilians to replace Police officers who are doing civilian work.

"It is the Government's intention to incorporate the posts presently held by Police in the capacity of gate security in the broader security scheme,'' said Transport Minister the Hon. Maxwell Burgess. "As soon as that scheme is in place, those officers will be releasd to go back to pursuing more pressing Police matters.'' He hoped the change would be implemented by April 1.

The British Government has some responsibility for Airport security and the plan must first be cleared with Britain, Mr. Burgess said. A representative of the British Government is expected in Bermuda to discuss Airport security shortly, he said.

Mr. Burgess would not confirm that a private security firm would be given the work, but he said it would not be the Bermuda Regiment. The security role being discussed for the Regiment involves securing buildings away from the Airport which the US Navy leaves behind when it departs on September 1.