Acting Police Commissioner Roseanda Young last night hit back at criticism of Police response times made by Public Safety Minister David Burch earlier this week.

Ms Young pointed out in a statement that Government — not the Governor or the Police Commissioner — was responsible for the number of officers on the Island, as well as recruitment, training and equipment.

She said policing remained a "partnership" between the Governor, Government and Commissioner George Jackson, adding that Mr. Jackson managed day-to-day operations within the resources available to him.

Her comments come after Senator Burch revealed he was in discussions with Government House, the Governor's official residence, about changes to operational policing and that he was concerned it was taking Police too long to respond to calls from the public.

Ms Young said response times had improved as a result of a recent realignment of resources within the service which has placed more emphasis on community policing.

She said the changes, implemented three months ago after canvassing the public, included more patrol officers in several areas and a new shift system with staggered start times.

"As a result of these changes we have received a number of positive comments on improved police times and greater visibility of police patrols," she said.

The restructuring means St. George's now has six extra officers; community action teams have also been set up to improve problematic neighbourhoods.

Ms Young said "constructive" meetings between the Commissioner, Government House and Ministers took place periodically to address concerns.

"The Bermuda Police Service is committed to serving the entire community in Bermuda equally," she said. "We take our responsibilities seriously and seek no political gain."

Meanwhile, former Public Safety Minister Quinton Edness claimed yesterday Sen. Burch was wrong to say Government was powerless to boost policing in St. George's.

Sen. Burch had claimed the Opposition would not be able to keep a promise to provide the town with a substantial Police presence if elected. Mr. Edness said the Public Safety Minister had delegated powers for recruitment, manpower equipment and the physical plant.

He said: "He's building a brand new Police station in the middle of town — that's the Government."

Government has already built a new $2.8 million Police station in St. David's which opened earlier this year while the old St. George's station will be re-opened as a satellite station after refurbishment.

Mr. Edness said: "If the minister feels Police are not responding quickly enough the minister should take it up with the Commissioner and cause something to happen. We need to get back to having Police on the streets.

"The bottom line is Government has to be willing to do it and make funds available."

Mr. Edness conceded recruitment was difficult given that traditional sources of manpower — UK, Barbados and Canada — were drying up. He also scotched reports that he is planning to stand against Premier Ewart Brown in Warwick South Central at the next General Election. He said many constituents had been in touch complaining about representation there.

But the United Bermuda Party has already selected Roderick Simons to fight the seat which Dr. Brown won convincingly last time.

Mr. Edness, 76, said: "I have had conversations with my family — they didn't think, and I tend to agree with them, that I should run again."

He gave his full backing to Mr. Simons but said, if asked, he would consider a Cabinet post and Senate seat if the UBP came to power.