The future of Bermuda policing has been unveiled, with Recruitment Foundation Course 64 four months away from hitting the streets.

The group of 14 officers, ranging in age from 19 to 44, were shown off to the Press yesterday at the service?s Prospect Headquarters.

?The group is being trained in procedure and law,? said Acting Chief Inspector James Howard, who was keen to remind Islanders that they can join the service up to the age of 49.

?They will be learning a variety of skills including use of the ASP (side-arm baton), handcuff training and first aid.

?They will also be trained in how to deal with members of the public.?

He added that the group would also work on ?scenario-based practicals? to learn to deal with potential problems on the street in a controlled environment.

One of the recruits, 36-year-old Cassius Fevriere, a former sales and conference service manager at Elbow Beach, said his long-term goal was to work in CID or narcotics.

?I wanted to join a disciplinary service,? Mr. Fevriere, from St. David?s, told

?I am keen to make a positive difference in the community. I have certainly seen a change within the community, and there are things that I don?t like about it.

?I am committed to doing what I can to improve things by being a member of the Police service.?

Meanwhile Jennifer Spurling, 23, will be fulfilling a life-long ambition by joining the thin blue line.

Ms Spurling, who has just finished a criminal justice degree in North Carolina, said: ?This is all I have ever wanted to do. This was the only career I was interested in and I?m really pleased to have a chance to work in the community.

?I have always seen Police officers as respected members of the community and I am looking forward to being part of that.?

She said, at the moment, her aim was to eventually work in the Juvenile and Domestic Crime Unit.

The recruits will undergo a 16-week training course before going out on the streets for a three year probation period.