A political storm has burst over plans by Police Commissioner Colin Coxall to announce today the next stage in his radical shake-up of his Service.

Mr. Coxall's Press conference clashes with today's House of Assembly debate on the proposed Police revamp.

Last night, Shadow Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Mr. Alex Scott urged Mr. Coxall to delay his announcement -- until MPs had had their say.

"If he goes ahead he runs the risk of being perceived contemptuous of Parliament and what we have to say,'' said Mr. Scott. "I would ask him to hold off for a day or two. This will give him time to benefit from the points we have to make.'' But Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Quinton Edness last night dismissed Mr. Scott's "hold fire'' plea.

"That's absolutely the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard... this is just another PLP delaying tactic.'' Today MPs are expected to debate an Opposition "take note'' motion on Mr.

Coxall's Bermuda Police Service Strategy -- which includes the controversial axing of Assistant Commissioner Wayne Perinchief, 54.

Mr. Scott warned the motion could be changed if Mr. Coxall pressed ahead with the conference.

"If there is a feeling the Commissioner is less than respectful and appreciative of Parliament then MPs may change the nature of the motion.

"For instance, someone could stand up and turn it into a motion of rejection of the Strategy.'' Mr. Coxall could not be reached for comment last night.

It is understood his Press conference -- set for 11.30 a.m. -- was arranged about two weeks ago.

At the conference Mr. Coxall is expected to announce sweeping changes to the Service, including a controversial reduction in senior management.

The Opposition has blasted plans to axe Mr. Perinchief and Supt. George Rose.

The main plank of Mr. Coxall's strategy revolves around increased community policing and a hoped-for doubling in the numbers of Parish Constables by releasing more officers through "civilianisation''.

Greater crime prevention also has a high priority and a new central Criminal Intelligence Service will be created to help gather information.

More emphasis will be placed on formal cautioning of motoring offenders and new technology, including speed cameras and close circuit television.

Training of the 427 officers is to be re-modelled as well, with officers spending time abroad, specialists coming to Bermuda and in-house training upgraded.

Other proposals likely to be announced today include: Moving Insp. Roseanda Jones from Community and Media Relations to Narcotics; Replacing Insp. Jones with a civilian to handle the media; Setting up a Community Relations division, headed by Insp. Gertie Barker, with responsibilities for crime and drug prevention, road safety, school programmes, outward bound and juvenile liaison; Increasing the number of officers in the Crime Prevention section from two to four; and Amalgamating the motorcycle patrol and cycle squads.

Before today's Press conference, Mr. Coxall is expected to outline his restructuring proposals to rank-and-file officers.

Mr. Scott said both Government and the PLP would today be outlining their respective positions on the Service Strategy.

"Both sides have been working to see if there is some common ground between us,'' he said.

"For the Commissioner to go ahead with the Press conference in face of this discussion by MPs and all the political activity suggests very strongly he sees little or no importance to our debate on Friday.'' Mr. Edness, however, argued: "Mr. Coxall has the job of managing a large Police Service. I would not ask him to wait because we are debating this Strategy in the House.

"I'm sorry the PLP would ask for something like that. It's another statement to create instability.'' Mr. Edness said Mr. Coxall had a short period in which to effect his plans, and had to move quickly.

He went on to say "nothing new'' emerged from his meeting on Wednesday with Mr. Scott and Shadow Finance Minister Mr. Cox. "Nothing was said to change my mind or give me any doubts about what is being proposed.''