Police received double the usual number of job applications during their latest recruitment drive.More than 100 people, aged between 18 to 48, put themselves forward for positions within the service in the campaign earlier this month.Police say recruitment drives usually attract 50 to 60 applicants, but could not be sure whether the upsurge was due to the economic crisis.A spokesman said: “The latest recruitment drive which just ended on Monday, January 10, saw an increase in individuals applying to join the Bermuda Police Service.“From early indications, many applicants have expressed their willingness to serve the community by becoming a police officer.“They want to do their part to reduce crime and make Bermuda safer for everyone.”This month’s drive was aimed at Bermudians and their spouses aged between 19 and 49. Adverts stated applicants must have school-leaving certificates and good academic standing.Last week, the Fire Service revealed only 13 out of more than 250 applicants passed an entrance test and accepted a position.Asked whether the Police Service could face difficulty attracting large numbers of high quality applicants, the spokesman replied: “We are in the initial stages of vetting the applicants and so would not be able to speak directly to this at this time.”The Bermuda Police Service would also not say how many overseas firearms specialists had been brought to Bermuda following last year’s announcement from then Public Safety Minister David Burch and Commissioner Michael DeSilva that they would be drafted in to tackle gun crime.The next Recruit Foundation Course is scheduled to begin in mid-June.