The latest batch of Police recruits are to undergo communications training to help them calm down angry people.

Co-ordinator Sgt. Philip Lewis said being able to communicate properly was essential when diffusing potentially dangerous encounters.

"In America there is a course called verbal judo. It can solve 90 percent of the problems that officers encounter on the street with irate people.

"We teach officers the value of communicating and the language ? both oral and body language ? to look out for. Then they are better able to deal with situations."

Officers are taught to befriend people who may be coping with daily pressures.

"If you recognise early that it is a case where you can't befriend them then being Police you have to take charge. You may have to use a stronger approach.

"The emphasis is trying to teach officers the variety of communication tools they can use, taking notice of the circumstances."

Body language is also taught with officers shown how to not approach people aggressively. There are 11 recruits currently undergoing the current training course.

Sgt. Lewis said: "They are making the transition from civilian living to the Police way of life. It's a very difficult transition."

Busy making that transition is P.c. Preston Ephraim II who was studying law in America but joined the Police because he wanted a more active way of life.

The 23 year old, who has dual American and Bermudian status, said: "It's quite redundant to say I want to make a difference but if everybody did there would be a change for the better. It's one of the major reasons I joined."

He hopes to end up in the Emergency Response Team or the Police Support Unit when he gets established.

"I am more of a physical person, I don't want to be sitting down everyday and reading a lot of paperwork."

The force also has a new recruitment officer in Charlene Thompson who has spent ten years with the Service and is now working on the latest recruitment drive which has already netted 30 applicants.

The next foundation course will be late February. Applicants must be between 19 and 49 with a high school certificate.

"If you are looking for a good career and an exciting job give us a call."

She can be reached on 299-4304 while application forms are available at Police offices Island wide. The deadline is September 3.