A Police recruitment drive will draw to a close next week after its last event saw just eight people attend.

The campaign ends on Friday and officers are confident the Service's largest publicity blitz will see approximately 30 new Police officers hit the beat.

More than 100 applications have been made so far, 50 of which have been successful -- which it is anticipated will translate into 30 new Bermudian officers.

The last event, a recruitment reception held at the Prospect Police Recreation Club on Thursday evening, only pulled in eight people but officers were not troubled by the lack of interest.

They said it was a "mopping up'' event.

A Police spokesman said: "It didn't get a good response, but it was the last week of the campaign and those that were already thinking about doing it have done it.'' The campaign, which has featured TV and newspaper advertisements, has emphasised the personal touch -- trying to give the Police a public face.

It was launched by Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox who resisted Opposition calls and a Government commissioned report which stated overseas officers should be brought in to help the shortfall.

The Service is currently around 30 officers below strength.

"There has been quite a lot of interest so far. It was a grass roots approach with the TV ads, showing the human side of policing,'' the spokesman said.

"We are very pleased it has been a success so far. We have been getting people of good calibre, including some university graduates.

"There have been 50 successful applications. That is high and if we get 30 officers, we will be more than satisfied.'' Officials have contingency plans for the extra numbers, including running two training classes.

One Progressive Labour Party backbencher said during the campaign only ten people out of 100 had been deemed suitable for the force. Bermuda Industrial Union president and Hamilton East MP Derrick Burgess said the entrance exam was designed by foreigners to eliminate Bermudians.

Police Service officials say entrance levels for new recruits have not been lowered.