Plans are in the pipeline for soldiers to go out on the beat to boost Police resources at peak times.

Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva outlined the initiative as he unveiled third quarter crime statistics yesterday.

When he took the helm in December 2009, Mr. DeSilva pledged to clear Police offices and put all available officers on the streets, to boost public confidence.

Now, he has called on the Regiment to assist in those high-visibility patrols.

"What we've learned since last December is whenever we increase our visibility on the streets that has all sorts of effects. It has deterrent effects and it also has the effect of public confidence and it also puts us out there to actually engage with people and that's why our arrest numbers are up and our search numbers are up," he said.

"But there's a cost associated with that. Our staff can only work eight hours a day without going into mass amounts of overtime. And the answer is not to simply double the Police force because then we end up with a huge expense. It costs a lot of money it cost $65 million last year to run the Police Service.

"We don't need increased resources 24 hours a day. But there are times when we could do with another team of six or 12 to help out with the night time economy, to help out with the football games, to help out in the busy summer months.

"This just seems like a more sensible option in terms of using resources that are already there but just formalising the relationship and giving them the powers and the equipment and the training to help us out. The basic concept is they would be on the beat and they would help out at the busiest times."

He pointed out that the collaboration between the Police and Regiment is not new, as soldiers from the boat unit helped out over the summer with policing the local waters.

The new plan was revealed by Home Affairs Minister David Burch, who said on Monday: "The Commissioner of Police and Commanding Officer are currently in the early stages of working on an initiative that would see the full-time employment of a number of Regimental Policemen to work with the BPS as well as to carry out other regimental duties. This is being done to minimise the need to hire temporary overseas Police officers.

"The outline plan is for them to receive specialised training leading to designation as Special Constables."

Sen. Burch said the plan is supported by both Government House and Government.

Yesterday, Regiment Commander Brian Gonsalves explained that around 25 to 30 soldiers will be invited to join the existing 30 full-time members of Regiment staff, with a special focus on assisting the Police when needed.

"They would be able to provide the Police Commissioner with soldiers 24/7, working in shifts," he explained. "It provides relief from the Regiment side. When they're not posted to the Police, they can help us in many other roles. We are short staffed and could certainly use them."

Echoing the Minister's remark that the plan will reduce the need to hire overseas Police officers, Lt. Col. Gonsalves said it would help "take Bermudians off the wall" and make the Regiment a more appealing career option. "This is a great opportunity for the Regiment to establish itself as a real full-time employer," he noted.

The main roles of Regimental Police officers include acting as duty and diplomatic drivers for the Governor and Premier, plus enforcing discipline among soldiers and picking up long-term absentees. Although they can arrest errant soldiers, they would be given general powers of arrest to include civilians after being trained and appointed as Special Constables.

Lt. Col. Gonsalves estimated the training process would take two to three months. However, he stressed that the plan is still being worked on, with draft documents awaiting Ministry and Cabinet approval.