MPs are considering installing a metal detector in the House of Assembly and tightening up security in the backrooms.

Government MP Ashfield DeVent said security was lax compared to parliaments in other jurisdictions.

Mr. DeVent, who sits on the House and Grounds committee which is studying the issue, said: "We need to make it a little bit more secure, people can just come in the lounge just by opening the door."

And he said it was time Bermuda's court buildings had a consistent standard of security.

Since 2005 Bermuda's magistrates' court building has had a metal detector doorway, a glass holding zone and turntable exit.

Yet Supreme Court, where the more serious offences are mostly dealt with, there are no such restrictions.

Mr. DeVent said: "Court buildings need to be as secure as possible, particular with the atmosphere and some of the offences we are dealing with at the moment."