keepers of law and order -- the Police. With Open Houses scheduled for the Force's Western, Central and Eastern divisions, every member of the public has a chance to learn more about its operations, talk to its officers and offer any suggestions or ideas which they feel might aid in the fight against crime.

Police Week celebrations this year should be especially well attended because of the great success the Service has achieved. According to Commissioner Colin Coxall, action taken by the Service and the dedication of its men have had a dramatic impact on Bermuda's crime rate. "I think the Police Service has had an impact on crime by targeting and focusing on special crimes,'' he said.

"Crimes against tourists, for example; crimes of a particular problem such as, for instance, bike thefts, which had almost reached epidemic proportions.

"These have been reduced by something like 60 percent. Very interestingly, murders, which on average were approximately five or six a year. Since I've been Commissioner, all of these have been cleared up quite quickly. Murders have been reduced to one so far this year and that was of a domestic nature.

So I'm very pleased with the performance of the detectives.'' PHOTO Commissioner Colin Coxall Pamela Gordon Quinton Edness MINI SUPPLEMENT SUP