fight against crime have been warmly welcomed by Hamilton civic leaders.

Last month the Commissioner, Mr. Colin Coxall, mapped out radical changes to the Service which he aims to turn into one of the best small Police forces in the world.

The main thrust of his strategy is to put more than 80 officers either back onto the beat or into the drugs squad through the civilianisation of many jobs within the Service.

Yesterday Mr. Coxall outlined his strategy to members of the Corporation of Hamilton who were "positive and upbeat'' about the plan, according to Hamilton Mayor, the Rt. Wor. William Boyle.

Mr. Boyle said the two things they were most concerned about were drugs in Hamilton and the protection of international business.

"Mr. Coxall feels that Hamilton, with its international business and as the seat of Government, should be a safe place.

"He told us there are times when we are down to one Police officer in the city. Some of his figures were alarming,'' added Mr. Boyle. "In the past Commissioners have told us they did not have the manpower.'' He said: "We are in favour of what Mr. Coxall said and we like what he has done so far. If he can get the financing, the strategy cannot help but be for the better.''