A top British police officer will inspect the work of Bermuda Police Service in tackling guns gangs and violence when he visits this autumn.Bernard Hogan-Howe is one of four inspectors with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, which independently assesses police forces.Governor Sir Richard Gozney announced the visit yesterday, saying he invited Mr Hogan-Howe “with the strong encouragement and endorsement of the Commissioner of Police and the other leaders of the Bermuda Police Service”.He explained: “Mr Hogan-Howe has agreed to focus closely on the issues of policing of most concern to the Island: Bermuda Police Service action to counter guns, gangs, drugs and violence. His visit is planned for the autumn, and will be preceded by a senior-level preparatory visit from the Inspectorate of Constabulary in a few weeks’ time. The last visit to Bermuda by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary was in 2003.”Sir Richard said the Inspector and officers making the preparatory visit will charge no fees, unlike consultants. The Bermuda Police Service will only pay for their flights and accommodation.The Government House statement added: “The Governor is very glad that Mr Hogan-Howe is making time to accept the invitation to visit the Bermuda Police Service, and to provide something of a cross-check on what are the most high profile areas of Police Service work.“The Governor and the Bermuda Police Service plan to make public the recommendations which he makes.”Mr Hogan-Howe oversaw a 25 percent reduction in gun crime during his time in charge of Merseyside Police in England [see factfile].According to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s website, it independently assesses police forces and policing activity ranging from neighbourhood teams, serious crime and the fight against terrorism.“In preparing our reports, we ask the questions which informed citizens would ask, and publish the answers in accessible form, using our expertise to interpret the evidence,” it states.Minister of National Security Wayne Perinchief said the announcement of the visit was “timely and encouraging”.He added: “The Government is fully supportive of this important exercise and I had advised Cabinet of the visit and the terms of reference. I look forward to the recommendations.“Mr Hogan-Howe’s experience with some of the same issues we are facing makes his visit all the more important and I look forward to meeting him and sharing his perspective on addressing the challenges we face in law enforcement.”Mr Perinchief will meet with the team doing the preparatory visit in a few weeks’ time.John Barritt, leader of the One Bermuda Alliance, said: “It makes eminent good sense to me to have something like this; indeed it’s to be welcomed, especially in view of the Commissioner supporting it as well. I can see nothing but good coming from this.”Shadow Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley said: “I fully support it. I’ve called for it a number of times and mentioned it in conversation with the Governor who said he would take it on board.“I think we should take advantage of this type of thing. They can be very important in showing where our strengths and weaknesses are and making recommendations.”Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva declined an invitation to comment.l Useful website: www.hmic.gov.uk