An overseas team has been drafted in to assist Police in their fight against violent crime and growing anti-social behaviour.

Minister of Home Affairs, Senator David Burch, made the announcement yesterday but could not provide specifics on what areas and duties the officers are engaged in.

He told the Senate: "In light of the nature of their tasking — I shall not comment further, but suffice to say they shall work alongside our officers so that their expertise can be shared."

Neither Governor Sir Richard Gozney or the Bermuda Police Service would comment further on the overseas unit last night.

Sen. Burch made the announcement as part of an update on public safety issues and Police numbers during a session of the Senate.

He also disclosed that more officers are being trained in weapons handling.

"In light of recent events, deployed armed officers is occurring on a more frequent basis," said the Minister.

A gun amnesty is also being considered in a bid to alleviate the recent spate of firearms incidents on the Island, which included a drive-by shooting in Princess Street, Hamilton, one month ago.

In terms of Police staffing, Sen. Burch was confident the Bermuda Police Service would reach its full complement of officers by the New Year.

The Minister said the Force was currently 67 officers below-strength — at 410, but is expected to reach 480 by mid-December.

Sen. Burch said 33 officers are currently undergoing training, with ten scheduled to graduate this month, another ten in November, and a further 16 expected to be deployed in December.

Further recruitment is ongoing to make up the projected shortfall of four officers a month through retirement or resignation.

"Assuming the projected resignation or retirement of 13 officers by year's end — we anticipate an operational compliment of 480 officers by mid-December 2008 — three over-establishment," said Sen. Burch.

Retention beyond the Police retirement age of 55 was proving another means of making up the shortfall, he said.

"The change in legislation introduced by Government that provides for the re-engagement of officers beyond age-55 has proven popular and been taken up by nine out of ten officers due to retire this year."

Meanwhile, ten former BPS officers are working part-time as Special Constables. Members of the Bermuda Reserve Police have also increased their hours temporarily, to free up fully-trained officers for front line duties.

Sen. Burch said a review of civilian posts with a view to "widening job descriptions" could also release some officers from administrative duties.

Regarding the long battle over the Police pay Arbitration Award, Sen. Burch said: "A further offer has been put to the (Bermuda Police) Association and I expect to hear shortly the results of their deliberations on that offer."

He added: "Let me commend the members of the BPS for operating at a high level of efficiency in spite of the challenges faced with manning. I hope today's report gives the BPS and the community some comfort that actions are aggressively being taken to address these matters."

The Minister stood firm against criticism by some members of the public on the recent crackdown on traffic violations.

He said: "Let me make it clear that the Government fully supports such action and has encouraged the Commissioner to stay the course.

"We are determined to enforce all the laws of this land as it is our firm belief that if we take care of the little infractions, larger ones will be far less prevalent. So, no back down on the crackdown."

He added that the formation of a sub-committee to provide support on policing matters had proved so successful that Governor Sir Richard Gozney has increased the frequency of the meetings. The committee comprises Sir Richard, Sen. Burch, Attorney General and Justice Minister Kim Wilson, and Police Commissioner George Jackson.

"The aim of this working group is to provide immediate support and appropriate direction to the Commissioner on an ongoing basis in support of the dual responsibility of Government House and Government," said Sen. Burch.

He told the Senate: "I trust that this interim report will serve to inform you and the general public of progress being made on a number of fronts with regard to public safety in these islands and further confirm that the new found relationship between the dual responsibility holders of Government House and Government is working efficiently for the benefit of the people of Bermuda.

"This Government is resolute in its commitment to bring law and good order back to this country and we will continue to devise new ways to achieve this."