An overseas firm was brought in to discuss a new initiative to provide assistance with operational policing.

Sen. David Burch, who is Minister of Public Safety, issued a press release which stated a meeting had taken place with himself, an unnamed firm, the Governor and senior members of the Bermuda Police Service.

But when asked by The Royal Gazette to expand on the meeting, and the firm in question, a spokeswoman said: "At this juncture, the Minister will only offer the information in his statement.

"However, as progress continues to be made, the Minister will make every effort to further update on the full initiative."

The press release stated: "I am pleased to report that last week representatives of an overseas firm, with proven experience in reducing crime in large cities, travelled to Bermuda to meet with the Governor, the Premier, the Overseas Police adviser, the Bermuda Police Service leadership and myself. "The discussions were fruitful and all agreed to further discussions on the proposal."

He also said senior officers in the Police service were concerned about negative perception of their performance and that further discussions would be held to help tackle the problem.

Sen. Burch recently suggested Police would be better utilised if officers did not have to do guard duty at buildings such as Government House.

The Governor, Sir John Vereker, did not return questions about the meeting before press time.

Shadow Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley said he was concerned that Government was issuing a press release with little information in it, particularly when confidence in the Police service was low.

"We are pleased to see the Minister is now focusing on ways to improve the Police service. We like to see the type of approaching instead of excuses being made.

"But we are a bit concerned having no more details about the meeting, that such a short statement comes out just to give the appearance that something is being done.

"We hope that more information will be given soon."

Mr. Dunkley added that his party would be as supportive as they could when it came to improving the Police service. He added that he would also be supportive if the Government was looking into bringing a private firm to Bermuda for guard duties, and said they had recommended the Government research the option in a reply to the Budget Speech in 2004.