The Ministry of Public Safety will receive a one percent increase in its annual budget as it faces the challenge of increasing the number of police officers and enacting necessary security measures to reduce gun violence.The largest chunk of the Ministry’s $124.7 million budget will finance the Bermuda Police Service to the tune of $71 million, a $2.3 million increase, or three percent more than the $68.6 million allocated last year.“Safety and security in Bermuda are fundamental human rights, hence it is a clear imperative to provide the Bermuda Police Service with the resources they require to meet the challenges of these times,” said Finance Minister Bob Richards.“This Budget provides additional funding to increase the BPS manpower to adequate levels.”Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley said the funding demonstrates Government’s commitment to Bermuda’s safety.“In the Throne Speech we promised an additional 20 police officers. The Budget fulfills that promise and will make that a reality,” he said.The Police Complaints Authority also received additional funding in the 2013/14 Budget.Said Mr Richards: “An additional $30,000 will enable this body to engage a part-time investigator to properly deal with complaints made against the police thereby increasing public confidence that rights and freedoms are highly valued in this society.”He pledged to renegotiate an order to remove certain provisions regarding police compensation “which are no longer appropriate”.Added Mr Richards: “While we will not compromise on keeping Bermuda safe, fiscal prudence must be applied even to this vital Department.”Further details will be supplied at a press conference next week, a Government spokeswoman said.The second largest chunk of the Ministry’s budget $27.4 million will go to the Department of Corrections. The figure is down from the $28 million the Department was allocated last year.“Supporting strong enforcement must be accompanied by effective rehabilitation,” said Mr Richards.“The Department of Corrections fulfills a critical role in breaking the cycle of antisocial behaviour in our community. This Budget makes provision for the recruitment of prison officers to fill existing posts and in this fiscal year the Department of Corrections will also engage key professionals in areas related to the rehabilitation and management of inmate issues.”Commissioner of Corrections Edward Lamb said he was hopeful the new recruitment drive would start soon.“Subject to the completion of some internal administrative matters, we are hoping to begin the recruitment of new officers within the next few weeks,” said Mr Lamb.“This recruitment will fill vacancies that have been caused mostly by retirements.“Hiring new officers will increase the number of staff we are able to deploy throughout the facilities and will also aid in reducing our overtime costs.”He did not disclose how many new recruits the department was looking to hire.Other budget allocations were also down from last year $6.9 million was earmarked for the Bermuda Regiment compared with $7.1 million last year; Bermuda Fire and Rescue Services is to receive $13.8 million, a decline of three percent.The National Drug Control’s budget was increased slightly to $4.1 million, four percent more than the $3.9 million it received last year.