An extra five million dollars pumped into policing should pay dividends in the end, according to crime campaigner Marsha Jones.

And neighbourhood watch chairman Ivan Hendrickson, from crime-blighted north east Hamilton, believes the budget's focus on community engagement sends the right message.

Policing was one of the few areas with increased funding this year, as Bermuda battles the economic crisis. The Bermuda Police Service budget is $65.7 million, up from $60.5 million. That's in contrast to the last budget, when the Police suffered a $2 million cut in funding.

The amount allocated for salaries has been upped by just $147,000, however, and there was no announcement on whether more officers will be hired.

The announcement came just a month after new Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva described the current era as "the worst in Bermuda's history when it comes to firearm incidents".

Ms Jones said of yesterday's news: "It's definitely a step in the right direction. I'm so glad. I think at this time we have to get serious. We really need to get these crimes under control. The perpetrators are holding us hostage and I think if they get a better handle on things in the next few years they won't have to put so much money into it. Let's get it under control. Sometimes you have to spend money to get success."

In her Budget speech, Minister of Finance Paula Cox said creating safe neighbourhoods was a key concern amid fears over the impact of gang-related crime on business and tourism.

"Government intends to uphold its commitment to provide greater safety through higher Police visibility, international support and training and increased use of community intelligence targeted at apprehending the perpetrators of criminal acts," she pledged.

Among the initiatives prioritised are:

• Partnerships between the Police, MPs, parish councils and community groups with advisory groups in three areas to provide feedback to Police commanders.

• Full-time CCTV monitoring.

• A $2.6 million investment in container scanning technology at Hamilton docks to combat illicit imports of firearms and drugs.

• Professionally accredited training for investigations of serious crimes.

• A national task force to coordinate cross-departmental efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Giving his response, Mr. Hendrickson, 59, explained that his newly-formed neighbourhood watch organisation embraces the crime-blighted areas between Cedar Avenue, Victoria Street, King Street and North Street.

"We're going to work closely with the Police, they can't do it by themselves. I'm grateful for the monies put forward. It's hard to say whether it's enough or not but it's a step in the right direction," he said.

"We've just started, however, we have talked to several people and of course they would like to see a change. We have seen a change, and I must say the Police are doing an excellent job with the new team they have in place. We've had several meetings with them and we know the Police can't do this by themselves.

"This is not just a neighbourhood watch, we want to bring people together through community events. We want to get things back like they used to be people living next door to each other don't know who their neighbours are. We want people respecting each other and looking out for each other. We're trying to get to know our neighbours and make it a happier community."

He welcomed news of the cash injection into technology to combat contraband at the docks.

"It's a good sign they're trying every avenue to ensure safety," he said.

Ms Jones has campaigned for justice ever since her only child, Shaundae Jones, was shot dead in 2003. No-one has ever been brought to justice over the killing. She believes fear on the part of witnesses is preventing that, and many other violent crimes in Bermuda from being cracked.

Although the Ministry of Justice has the same budget allocation as last year $19.6 million an extra $2,000 funding will be given to the witness care unit. Cash will also go towards a new initiative to let young and vulnerable witnesses — and overseas experts give evidence in court via videolink.

Ms Jones said of this: "It's fantastic. Witness intimidation has been a factor in other cases as well as my own and I think they will have more success in the end if they take more interest in their witnesses feeling comfortable in giving evidence."

She also welcomed the emphasis on the Police working more closely with the community.

"The Police definitely need to have a better rapport. Some folks feel discouraged and like it's hopeless and some Police feel they are not successful. When things don't work out they have to face the families. If they feel more empowered, we all come out winners.

Among the other initiatives funded this year are a "therapeutic community programme" in the Department of Corrections where inmates battling additions will learn new life skills. Further cash has been allocated for a legislative drafter attached to the Law Reform Commission which is charged with responsibility for the systematic and continuing reform of the law.

Shadow Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley said: "I'm pleased to see the recommendations by the Government towards public safety and the increase in gun violence. It's been clear their record in the past has been less than stellar. We're obviously comforted somewhat to see the Government's words are supporting initiatives to deal with these social issues. However, as ever with the PLP Government, the proof of the pudding is in the eating and we will have to see if they can improve what they are talking about."

Mark Pettingill of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance said: "We are pleased to see that the Government has faced the reality that I have called for on many occasions, that the Police must have the resources to effectively fight crime. One can only hope that this sensible allocation of funds will pay dividends ultimately contributing to a reduction in gun crime and crime generally."

However, he noted there has been no increase in funding to the Department of Public Prosecutions which is $12,000 poorer in this year's Budget than the last.

"The BDA as part of its platform has called for a modern an effective justice system and this will also require additional funding, consequently the lack of increase in the DPP's office is of concern and should be addressed. After arrest, the machinery of justice must be financially oiled to be effective," he commented.

Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva said he did not wish to comment on the Budget while it is still subject to debate by the political parties.