Police have been given funding by Government to take on 22 young cadets this summer in a move to try and boost the ranks, The Royal Gazette learned yesterday.

A recruitment campaign is to get underway to find young male and female candidates who wish to further their education, as well as follow a Police career.

In the past, cadets have been required to take an arts and science associate degree course at Bermuda College as part of their training.

However, this year they will have the freedom to enrol in any diploma course they wish. A Police spokesman said the force was looking for people aged between 16 and 19 who were committed, dedicated and hard working.

During the academic year, they will study at Bermuda College, as well as having drill every morning.

And when the school terms are finished, they will be attached to different departments where they will get a lot of exposure to Police work.

However, provided the cadets meet the grade and prove to be good junior officers, they will not become operational until they turn 19 and are sworn in. Then, they must sign a three-year contract with the service.

The spokesman said it is hoped the new cadets will be in place by August to tie in with the start of the new school term. And he said candidates must be fairly physically fit, although they will be trained, and must be able to enrol for one of the diploma courses at Bermuda College.

Head of the Police training school Inspector Michael Desilva said he and Sergeant Paul Singh, who is head of the cadet programme, were optimistic a lot of young people would apply for the posts.

He said Sgt Singh had already visited schools around the Island, and about 35 pupils at each school had requested application forms.

He said: "We are looking for Bermudian students aged between 16 and 19 who are honest and mature and hard working. They will further their education at Bermuda College and then will give a commitment to serve as a Police officer for three years.

"They must have no criminal convictions, and they will undergo a background check before being selected for interview. All of their tuition fees and books will be paid for.'' If they wish to complete their degree at a later stage, by distance learning, they will be able to do so.

Anyone interested in joining the cadets should pick up one of the regular application forms from any of the Police stations around the Island or Police headquarters at Prospect.