of Bermuda's criminal justice system, following a motion introduced by the Hon. Gerald Simons (UBP).

"The Tumim Report asked (its subject) to look at Police interaction and involvement, Police examining (their) role as Police, Police involvement with the Public Service and (to) examine changes,'' the Environment Minister said.

"We are fortunate to have people willing to undertake the task (and) a Police Commissioner (with the) courage to undertake this committee.'' Citing a recent survey in which eight out of 10 Bermudians felt the Police were "doing a good job,'' Sen. Simons said that the "institution of which we can all be proud'' could stand some improvement notwithstanding.

For example, he offered, "the majority of blacks and whites expressed approval of the Police, but more whites than blacks felt Police were doing a good job.'' This, he said, suggested that the Police could be doing more to build up their rapport with the black community.

Other problem areas the Senator identified were reported "heavy-handedness'' among the "elitist'' cycle division, the need for greater officer visibility and the need for the Police to focus more attention on drugs and crime and less on traffic violations.

The committee, which was assembled in January by Police Commissioner Mr.

Lennett Edwards, recognised that the Police must work on these and other areas, Sen. Simons said.

Sen. Milton Scott (PLP), on the other hand, would have liked a more concrete schedule from the committee.

"We hear that Police are likely to change this or do this, but we have not heard what they agreed to do.

"When you put a date next to a recommendation, it shows that there is a commitment made to get things done. We need to see a date. If (there is none), the recommandation will just be discarded and thrown into the trash can.'' He added that a set schedule would make the recommendations more credible with the public.

For Sen. Yvette Swan (UBP), the greatest source of contention was the 15-percent limit on the number of women allowed to join the Police force.

"I am asking women to keep their head high,'' she said by way of encouragement.

Echoing her sentiments were Sen. Norma Astwood (Ind.), Sen. Gary Pitman (UBP) and Sen. Alf Oughton (Ind.), who said: "I too find it hard to believe we restrict the input of women in the force. I don't see the need to have a restricted percentage.'' Minister of Management and Technology the Hon. Grant Gibbons, who announced a number of "action plans'' based on the report's suggestions, said Government should exercise caution when it finally implements those suggestions.

"One could say `Just go and do it.' But you have to do it carefully so that it can be done as effectively as possible.'' Referring specifically to the issue of Parish constables, Sen. Gibbons said that the Officers should be stationed "in a particular Parish for a particular period of time'' and should be tied to Parish Councils.

But Sen. Terry Lister (PLP), who noted previous efforts to reduce the power of Parish Councils, said that to now turn around and tie Parish constables to them "sends a mixed message.'' "We can't choose glibly and pick out (only) what suits us,'' he said of the recommendations. "We have to look at the whole structure and the larger picture.'' For Sen. Neletha Butterfield (PLP), the larger picture involved the more abstract issue of respect for the law. Bringing up "something that no one has mentioned,'' Sen. Butterfield said that the bridge between the Police and the public can only be cemented when the Police are seen to be just as accountable as anyone else.

"For one reason or another, the Police are (also) breaking the law, especially in the City of Hamilton,'' she said, citing incidents of double parking and a siren-accompanied Police "joy ride'' she said she witnessed on North Shore Road "a year or two ago.'' "In order for us to respect the law, the Police must also show it. If they show respect, surely the community would too. We must restore the faith and respect for Police in our young people,'' she said.

The Hon. Gerald Simons.