New Director of Public Prosecutions Rory Field hopes Bermudians can be given specialist training to help tackle sophisticated crime.

Speaking after being sworn in by Governor Sir John Vereker yesterday, Mr. Field said in a previous role in Serbia he arranged for the UK's Crown Prosecution Service technology-based crime experts to pass on tips to local lawyers.

He told The Royal Gazette he hopes to do something similar in Bermuda.

"The crime in Bermuda has a potential to be much more sophisticated," said Mr. Field. "I have some background in dealing with money-related crime and highly-skilled crime. I instigated looking at high-technology crime in Serbia. I set up training programmes with the CPS, bringing their experts to Serbia and taking people from Serbia to the UK.

"I would like to give Bermudians the same kind of opportunity to get some skills."

Earlier, Mr. Field had given a brief speech at the swearing in ceremony at Government House, describing his new role as "very serious and important".

"I'm going to be taking over and benefiting from the good work which has been done before me," he said.

His previous experience includes serving as DPP in Belize from 1999 to 2001, and working as legal adviser on organised crime for the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, with a focus on reforming the criminal justice system in Serbia.

He contrasted his role in Belize to his new task in Bermuda, saying: "Belize had a very high percentage of murders per capita. There were serious problems with violent crime, including murder.

"Although there's been tragic cases here in the last few years, the murders were much lower. Bermuda is a much safer place."

Performing the swearing in, Sir John said: "The Department of Public Prosecutions is an important part of the effort to keep Bermuda lawful.

"And they have been successful, both in eliminating the backlog of cases that had built up over the years, and in securing convictions.

"I am delighted to be welcoming Mr. Rory Field as substantive director. He has a distinguished track record and valuable experience."

Sir John also paid tribute to Juan Wolffe, who served as Acting DPP following the departure of Vinette Graham-Allen earlier this year.

Members of the legal community have warned Mr. Field faces a tough job due to a history of discontent within the Public Prosecutions department and the need to reform the justice system.

Premier Ewart Brown and Attorney General Philip Perinchief were both absent from the ceremony due to other commitments. The Premier's Press Secretary Glenn Jones said Dr. Brown expects to meet with Mr. Field and wish him well in his new role very soon.

Mr. Perinchief, who has already met Mr. Field in both official and social capacities earlier this year, said: "We intend to see a great deal of each other over the coming months."