Retired police officers are to be recalled to bolster the thin blue line during the coronavirus crisis.

The Bermuda Ex-Police Association posted an advertisement on Monday and asked its members to consider signing up for short-term service.

The notice said retired or former police officers were needed to assist in “ensuring resilience in its resources to deliver services to the public”.

The advert added that experience in “criminal investigation, financial investigation, and intelligence management are particularly welcome”.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons said: “The Bermuda Police Service needs to have a contingency that maintains capacity to deliver our core services in the event of significant absence due to Covid-19.

“As seen in many other jurisdictions, we are inviting both retired and former police officers to apply for temporary positions within the BPS. If required, this will permit us to shift serving officers to frontline duties while preserving necessary back office functions.”

Mr Simons said reserve police would also feature in the service’s planning.

Roger Sherratt, a former chief inspector who runs the Bermuda Ex-Police Association, said yesterday: “I’ve heard of a couple of guys who are interested.

“From what I understand, they are looking to have some assistance in this very, very difficult time.

“They’re looking for experienced former police who can step in quickly and help to do the job.”

Mr Sherratt added: “Experienced police officers could work in the office or the radio room — they can do all kinds of things to support the police so they can have a maximum role.”

The notice offered initial full-time contracts of six-months, with “flexible” arrangements considered, as well as potential extensions.

The salary is $6,062 a month.

Anyone interested should apply to the police service’s human resources department by April 29.