The relationship between Government and Government House is "probably the best it's ever been in our history", according to Labour and Home Affairs Minister David Burch.

Senator Burch was speaking at a meeting at Clearwater Middle School, called to allow residents of St. David's to share their public safety fears with police.

The Minister opened the session by explaining that operational policing remained the responsibility of Governor Sir Richard Gozney, who delegates it to Police Commissioner George Jackson.

Sen. Burch said himself, the Governor and Mr. Jackson had a good relationship.

"There is a co-operation that exists today with the shared responsibility for policing that has not existed before," he said. "We are not battling amongst ourselves."

He said of Government's relationship with Government House: "It's probably the best it's ever been in our history. Certainly it's the best it's been in the last decade."

Sir Richard came to Bermuda last December, replacing Sir John Vereker, who clashed swords several times with Government.

Last June, Sen. Burch called on Sir John to relinquish his police powers "in the interests of what is best for Bermuda" — a request he declined.

Sir Richard has so far appeared to have a more harmonious relationship with Government, backing a proposal earlier this year for a SWAT team to deal with gang violence.

He told a press conference that Government House would offer strong but silent support.

The meeting on Thursday heard that about 30 community action officers will start work on December 20, supplementing officers patrolling the Island.

Sen. Burch said 477 officers would be a full complement for Bermuda Police Service, which is about 40 officers down at the moment.

The Minister said 22 new officers were due to graduate today, with ten experienced officers also returning from training soon.

He said recruitment drives in the UK and Canada had just finished and the plan was to oversubscribe the service, to allow for officers leaving for various reasons.

Asked about the former police officers brought here from the UK recently, Sen. Burch said: "They are not just here for cold cases.

"The service they are providing to us is also being extended in terms of training and assistance to our own officers."