Up to 50 Police officers could be freed for other duties by allowing other agencies to take over some areas of their responsibility, it was claimed yesterday.

And a source close to the controversy over the Police manpower crisis singled out guard duty at places like Government House and the Premier's official home as jobs which could be done by private firms.

The source said: "There are around 50 jobs which could essentially be done by other agencies -- including static guard duties. That would solve any of the long-term problems the Police Service is facing.'' And other areas of the Police Service are also set to come under the spotlight to see if more officers could be released for other duties before overseas recruitment is considered.

The source said: "Recruitment in places like Barbados or Britain has not been ruled out -- but other ways have to be considered first.

"Guard duties is the easiest example to use because it's an easily definable part of what is a bigger situation.

"Some of the other areas are significantly more difficult to sort out -- but it's do-able.'' The source said, however, redeploying officers from some departments could meet strong resistance from traditionalists inside the force -- and public opposition if sensitive areas like the drugs squad were looked at.

The insider declined to identify specific areas where officers could be assigned to other duties.

He said: "There are a couple of areas where savings could be made -- but without a decision being taken, they are too controversial to identify.'' But it is understood that the Police Prosecutions department -- where between seven and nine officers serve -- could also be targeted.

And redeployment from the Marine Section could also be achieved with already-announced plans to expand the sea-going role of the Bermuda Regiment.

The news came in the wake of calls from ex-Police Commissioner Lennett (Lennie) Edwards for Government to bite the bullet and recruit officers from overseas.

He said on-Island recruiting drives would never produce enough quality Bermudian candidates to maintain manpower on the streets -- partly because the booming economy meant tough competition for high-calibre employees.

He was backed by Shadow Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley, who called for around 36 overseas officers to be brought in as soon as possible.

Mr. Edwards, who retired due to ill-health in 1995, took over the top job as Bermuda grappled with the recession of the early 1990's -- which led to a 57 officer cut in the force's official establishment from 489 to 432, although the actual figure is thought to be as many as 40 officers under that.

But the inside source insisted: "It's a commonly-held perception that the numbers are a finite thing and we need a certain number to function well.'' And he added that the Core Functions Review of the Police launched by Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox had taken a long look at the numbers game.

The report has never been made public -- but it is understood that redeployment from areas which could be covered by other organisations is seen as the key to getting more officers on the beat.

The source said: "I don't think there had ever been a full-scale study done on what the Police are for -- and how many officers they need to do it.'' On Friday, Ms Cox did not rule out overseas recruitment -- and she said she had had talks with Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay on staffing in the wake of the latest drive to drum up Bermudian recruits.

Last year -- when the Minister announced the Core Functions Review -- she said allocation of resources would be a prime focus of the study.

And she added that if overseas officers were needed, they would be brought in on short-term, fixed contracts as trainers for Bermudian officers.