years in the service.

Newly promoted to Inspector is Michael DeSilva who joined the service in October, 1986 after a year in the Police cadets.

Insp. DeSilva has worked at Hamilton and Somerset Police stations, Marine Section and the training department among his postings over the last 12 years.

As a sergeant from 1994, he has been an instructor at the Police Training School, and recently moved to Hamilton Police Station.

Insp. DeSilva was chairman of the Police Association from 1996 to 1997 and is married to a serving Policewoman.

He also acted as an instructor in the successful Police-run Outward Bound course.

And P.c. Gary Venning of the public and media relations department -- a 17-year veteran -- has been promoted to Sergeant.

He is expected to remain with the public and media relations office for the time being, although a transfer to another department is on the cards.

Sgt. Venning has worked in the media office for the last five years -- his second stint in the role. He joined the service in 1981 after serving five years in the UK's Dorset Police.

Sgt. Venning has also served at St. George's Police Station, in the traffic and motorcycle sections and crime prevention.