More firearms experts will arrive in Bermuda in the next six months to work for the Bermuda Police Service.

Minister of National Security David Burch gave permission to the BPS to fill vacant posts by recruiting overseas.

Acting Commissioner of Police Mike Jackman said: "At the moment we are looking to employ skilled U.K. police officers with firearms qualifications as well as officers who can work as custody officers, major crime investigators, community policing officers and public order officers.

"We expect to complete this recruitment process in the Spring of 2011."

Last month Senator Burch said the recruitment of UK officers was one of his achievements during his 34 months as Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing. He has since been made Minister for National Security.

Sen. Burch said the Bermuda Police Service had recruited a number of experienced investigative officers from the UK, including Assistant Commissioner David Mirfield to focus on tackling gangs.

Bermuda has seen the number of shooting spiral in the last two years. Since May 2009 40 people have been shot, including 11 people who died as a result of the shootings.

The BPS's official statistics, last released on September 30, stated there have been 54 confirmed firearms incidents so far this year and 112 unconfirmed shootings.

These figures are much higher than the 37 confirmed incidents which took place for the entire 2009 and the 50 unconfirmed incidents.