into turmoil, The Royal Gazette can reveal today.

The Police Commissioner has now sent out a "be patient'' message to aspiring officers.

"Places will become available,'' said Mr. Lennett (Lennie) Edwards.

The move comes as cutbacks have forced Government departments to trim costs.

Already it has been announced that 15 Police jobs could be axed to cope with Budget pressures.

It would reduce Police manpower by 42 over the last 18 months, sparking warnings about a poorer service.

Police usually hold two pre-entry training courses a year, in the summer and winter.

Yesterday Police spokesman Sgt. John Dale said the last course was held February-May this year.

"They have now been postponed due to financial reasons.'' Sgt. Dale added it was not yet known when they would be restarted.

Since leaving school, young Police hopefuls have been on a rollercoaster of hope and despair with each new course start date.

And the uncertainty has left several desperately exploring other career options.

It is understood some would-be recruits were last told the course would kick off in January.

The courses at the Bermuda Police Training School in Prospect are run by senior training officer Supt. Alan Bissell.

Lasting 15 weeks, they put the rookies through a gruelling programme of physical and academic exercises.

It involves drill, marching, six-mile runs, self-defence, first aid, and lessons in law. Weapon training is no longer included.

There are beginners' and intermediate tests, and a final exam.

The trainees are graded, and, if successful, receive certificates after passing out. Graduates then become constables.

"It is a very intense course,'' said Police spokeswoman Sgt. Andrea Browne, who joined the force from school.

The basic training courses are open to 19- to 35-year-olds who have pre-requisite qualifications.

Sgt. Dale said they were generally attended by around 18 trainees.

"We hold one or two courses each year depending on other training and recruiting needs.'' Sgt. Dale, who trained in England and hails from Salford, stressed other courses were still being held.

Additional training includes "localisation'' courses for overseas officers.

This helps them brush up on local law, and understand the Island's geography.

There is also training of 16- to 19-year-olds at the Cadet School in Glebe Road.

Last week Mr. Edwards -- the second Bermudian-born commissioner in the Island's history -- told The Royal Gazette he had been impressed by the high standard of recruits.

He also highlighted the importance of Bermudianisation -- a personal priority.

The economic downturn, however, has had a big impact on the force.

It is understood Mr. Edwards has been having discussions this week to examine ways of meeting the cash constraints.

One option is salary cuts. Overtime has already been reduced.

Independent MP Mr. Harry Viera last week blasted Police cutbacks, saying it flashed the green light to criminals.

He warned of an increase in crime as the Island drops further into recession.

Shadow Minister of Delegated Affairs Mr. Stanley Morton also joined the criticism.

He laid the blame at the door of Government, describing the cuts as "criminal''.

"They have a destabilising effect on the Police force. We are talking about people's livelihoods,'' he added.

Mr. Morton called for Government cuts to fall on other areas -- and not manpower.