Public Safety Minister David Burch said a Police team will travel to the Caribbean next week to interview 200 applicants with some expected to be hired and on the streets by the summer.

Currently manpower is down 40 from the 469 budgeted for while from April the official staff roster will go up to 477.

Senator Burch said experienced officers in the service now were being persuaded not to retire while local recruitment is continuing.

Minister Burch said: “Public safety is at the top of this Government’s agenda and our work in addressing the resource needs of the Police is very much at hand.”

Government is also hoping to hire UK officers.

* See tomorrow’s Royal Gazette for the full story and reaction.