Making a difference in Bermuda is important to the newest batch of Police recruits as they approach their graduation date next week.

Their training almost complete, the 13 men and women in Police recruit foundation course 56 are "gung ho'' about being Bermudians on the beat.

They want everyone to know they come from a wide range of experiences and while their ages vary, they have formed a tight-knit group since meeting in February.

The recruits -- many of whom have served first as reserve officers -- spoke on a variety of topics including opening the upper age limit for recruiting, reducing the exercise requirements, and pressure from friends and acquaintances not to join the Service. The Royal Gazette spoke with the recruits during an hour-long break at Police Headquarters last week to find out what it is like for a local recruit -- or one with local connections -- to be in the Service.

Former reserve officer Ann Phillips said: "Everybody should try out the Reserve Police. It really helps you to see what the Service is about and what officers do.'' Mrs. Phillips left her job as an accounts assistant to follow her lifelong dream of being a Police officer, and said her husband has given her complete support.

"My husband is 100 per cent behind me in this,'' she said. "It was always something I was interested in.'' The 35-year-old mother of two added she had wanted to be a Police officer since she was 16.

"Bermuda is where I live and what is happening out there is pretty scary now,'' she said.

Arthur Dill said he had found the recruit course a challenge and said his main motive was community-based.

"I love people,'' Mr. Dill said. "I also think it is a good career move. And it gives back to the people. It sounds like the standard answer but it's the truth.'' Mr. Dill, a bartender, added: "I found the foundation course very beneficial, I mean I haven't been this fit in years!'' "I don't know a better way to serve the community,'' Dawn Knight replied when asked why she joined. "I have found this a challenge and I learned about myself. This course is beneficial.'' A pre-school teacher and a reserve officer, she encouraged anyone who may be thinking about joining the Police Service to join the reserves.

"Yes, being a reservist helped me to see what being an officer was like,'' she said.

Tracy Burgess, 30, said: "I want to make a difference in the community and make a positive difference in the Police Service. This whole thing was a challenge, but the reward is even greater.'' "As a foreigner married to a Bermudian, I had some reservations about joining, but my husband's family told me I could make a difference and to pursue it,'' she added. "The only negative was within myself.'' Some recruits said the biggest challenge was learning about the law and the officers' role in enforcing it.

"The most difficult parts were the physical training and learning the law,'' said Vernel Caines. "I found some of the physical stuff tough because I had a bad leg. The law was tricky though. It has a lot of catches to it.'' Recruit Caines, who is 21, added: "I don't think there was an easy part though. '' Gaylon Burrows, a former park ranger, said it was his contact with Police that prompted him to try his hand at being a Police officer.

A former Police cadet, he had received both positive and negative feedback. He also agreed the cadet scheme should be resurrected, but with mandatory service requirements.

"Bermuda needs her sons and daughters in the Service,'' Mr. Burrows said.

"We need to take hold of the country to build Bermuda. National pride needs to come out a little more.'' All of the recruits have received their postings within the Service and would be meeting their sergeants soon.

When asked if he could deal with child molesters and abusers while assigned to the Child and Juvenile Services, recruit Marlon Waldron said "sure''.

The criminal investigation division interests Kevin Darrell who is attracted to their ability to piece together a puzzle.

Recruit Darrell, who skills in communications, said: "I'm looking toward CID.

I like the way they take bits of information and come up with a solution.'' The final word on getting more Bermudians to join the Police Service was left to Rosheen Albouy, who said she was excluded by height requirements for many years because she fell short of the old five foot four inch height requirement.

"Bermudians should be encouraged to join,'' she said. "But the advertisements seem to attract women more rather than men.'' Recruit Albouy added: "The "wall sitters'' may need more direct contact with Police officers that might get them to join up. They may not know that they can and are able to do the course.''