The Bermuda Regiment will support Police with guard duties if necessary, yesterday's Throne Speech revealed, as Government moves to allow officers to return to more mainstream duties.

Additionally, this new Regiment role will allow Government to bolster the human resource capabilities within the Police, specifically in intelligence support and analysis.

Residents and politicians have long called for a return to community policing, a role that would see officers stepping up foot patrols and visibility, instead of desk jobs and guard duties at Government House and the Premier's residence.

Referring to increased Regiment roles in public safety, Public Safety and Housing Minister David Burch stated weeks ago: "That is a function that's carried out by the military.

"This relinquishes a number of trained Policemen back into operational policing — that's what I'm talking about."

Then there's the issue of bolstering the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service.

Legislative amendments to the Fire Service Act will provide the Service with authority to inspect buildings and enforce fire safety codes, the review also disclosed.

This, according to Government, will put a focus on modernising the newly amalgamated Service and will give it more strength under the law.