it battles to cope with increasingly stressed conditions.

And he appealed for public understanding in the wake of a string of embarrassing slip-ups.

Mr. Clarence M. Smith, chairman of the Bermuda Prison Officers Association, told The Royal Gazette : "It is not the best of times for us. It's a real struggle.'' The prison officer has been in the service 24 years -- and seen a dramatic change.

"Everything is very different now. The work is far more stressful.'' But Mr. Smith said the new prison -- which should be ready in 1993 -- gave grounds for optimism.

It would help tackle the serious problem of overcrowding, and relieve officers' heavy workload.

Earlier this week the plight of prison officers was discussed in the Senate.

Senator Alex Scott called for an extensive review of the system following "shocking'' complaints from prison officers.

Among a series of blows to the prison service have been convicted murderer Troy Shorter's escape from Casemates, and jailed child-killer Chesterfield Johnson's fling with a prostitute while receiving counselling.

Earlier this year Police launched a hunt after inmate Derrick Eugene DeShields failed to return on time from a day-release programme.

At a recent meeting the BPOA -- which has around 160 members -- decided to appeal for public understanding.

In a statement yesterday the association said: "We wish to inform the general public that recent events concerning the Prison Department are not a true reflection of the long and dedicated service provided by our members.

"Our record would indicate that under adverse physical conditions we have carried out our task in a professional manner.

"Some of the past statements appeared to have been designed to totally discredit us! "We accept that some incidents were unfortunate and we ask the public to try and understand the diverse nature of our job and the difficulty of predicting human behaviour.

"We would also wish to assure you that despite recent setbacks we will continue to strive for excellence while performing the very difficult task, using the limited resources that we have, of trying to return better citizens to society.'' Mr. Smith stressed the association was not "pointing fingers'' at anyone, or engaging in "mud-slinging''.

"This statement is not intended to discredit anyone, and we are not trying to start a controversy.

"All we want is for the public to understand we are doing the best we can under very difficult circumstances. I believe the public do understand this.'' Mr. Smith declined to elaborate on the statement's reference to "limited resources'' and "some incidents''.

"I think people will know what we mean,'' he said.