By Ben Greening The Police Service has announced the launch of its new and improved Cadet Scheme.

And officers are hoping to have 12 fresh faces learning how to walk the beat by January.

The revised scheme will have cadets signing a contract committing them to the two-and-a-half year term followed by a career in the service lasting not less than three years.

Ch. Insp. Vernal Bridgeman said: "This is a golden opportunity for youngsters who have an interest in policing to learn about it and get a head start for when they take their basic training programme just afterwards.'' The Service's previous Cadet Scheme was discontinued in 1997 after it did not produce as many new officers as was hoped.

Police spokesperson Evelyn James-Barnett said: "Young people were using the scheme to get a free education and then not making a career in the Service.'' The Progressive Labour Party's 1998 election victory and subsequent Throne Speech brought the announcement that the cadet scheme would be revised and re-initiated.

Ch. Insp. Bridgeman explained: "We've always considered the Cadet Scheme to be a good source of recruitment and, if its properly managed this time, we believe it will be just that.'' "But I would like to stress,'' he added, "only people who are serious about a career in the Police should think about signing up.'' He explained that requirements for becoming a recruit included being a student for an associate degree at Bermuda College and having at least a 2.7 grade average in certain subjects.

"They would also have to pass medical and physical examinations as well as the basic entry test,'' Ch. Insp. Bridgeman said.

"Once they are initiated they will take normal classes at the College in their cadet uniforms and then, when they are on their holidays, they will come to Police Headquarters and take classes covering all areas of Police work.''