A new class of police recruits joined the Bermuda Police Service at a crucial juncture in the island’s history, the Governor said during a passing-out ceremony at Warwick Camp.

Andrew Murdoch told the 14 officers at the ceremony on Thursday that their service to “keep Bermuda safe comes at a critical time”.

He added: “Communities have been shocked and appalled by the recent escalation in gun and gang violence, and people look to the police to keep them safe, to reassure them.”

He said as the police service looked to increase their numbers to full strength, the recruits’ move to frontline duties was “needed more than ever”.

He said: “You will make a difference by your presence on our streets — but it is more than just numbers and putting more boots on the ground.

“A successful police service is built on a foundation of high standards of personal integrity among its officers.

“Personal integrity is vital to ensuring public confidence and trust in the police.

“Without that trust, policing becomes infinitely more challenging.”

Mr Murdoch said each interaction and decision they made would matter, adding: “So as you step into your new roles, remember every day in uniform is an opportunity to build trust.”

He said the job might be testing and leave officers “uncertain in the face of the unexpected and new”.

“You will make mistakes. When this happens, and it will, don’t dwell on them.

“Learn from them and move on and always remember you are part of a team.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes said the day marked the culmination of months of dedication, discipline and determination.

He told the recruits: “Each of you standing here in uniform has accepted the call to serve — a call that demands courage, integrity and sacrifice.

“It is no small thing to choose a career in policing. It is not just a job; it is a vocation, a duty and a public trust.”

Mr Weekes said they would be under his watch on patrol duties, reminding them of the “solemn responsibility” that comes with the uniform.

He said: “It is a symbol of authority, yes, but more importantly, it is a symbol of accountability.

“The community of Bermuda place their confidence in you.

“They look to you not only to enforce the law, but to protect the vulnerable, to resolve conflict with fairness and to embody the values of respect and professionalism at all times.”

He said they would face complex and evolving threats, some of which were unheard of when he passed out of training — including cybercrime, gang violence and rising gun and knife crime with “lasting effects on our community”.

“But policing is not only about crime — it is also about building trust, nurturing partnerships and working hand in hand with the people we serve,” Mr Weekes said.

“Community policing is not a slogan; it is a philosophy that must guide your every action and be central to your everyday policing of this island.”

He thanked the recruits’ families and friends for their support, patience and encouragement.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, told the recruits that they had chosen “one of the most demanding and self-lived paths of service”.

He said: “This is a proud day for you, for your families and for your country.”

He said theirs was a calling that demanded “courage, discipline and commitment to service”.

“There will be times when you will be called into difficult situations, when emotions are high, when tempers flare and when people look to you to bring calm, order and fairness.”

He said that in such moments, their training, values and sense of purpose would guide them, adding: “Remember — authority is given by the badge, but respect is earned by your actions.”