job effectively, its chairman said recently.

In the winter issue of Upbeat, the Bermuda Police Service's newsletter, BPA chairman Sgt. Michael Jackman, said that with the amendments to the Police Act -- which were passed in Parliament last year -- the BPA was now formally recognised as the bargaining unit for all officers of the rank of Chief Inspector and below.

As a result, the BPA will have to address how it is going to manage itself given its expanded role.

"The Association will inevitably have to deal with the issue of having one or more members work full time on Association business,'' he said. "...It has become almost impossible for any capable Police officer to manage the affairs of the Association effectively and still carry out his Police functions at a high level.

"In the present situation, both areas suffer to the detriment of the Association and the service in general.'' Sgt. Jackman said the BPA will review both officers' pay and conditions of service once it has seen the terms of reference.

The review will begin early this year. Once begun, it will be finished in six to eight weeks.

In preparation for the review, Sgt. Jackman said a committee has been formed to look at salaries and all benefits.

Each of these subjects will be canvassed before the Review Board.

And he added that the Association will use Upbeat and a monthly newsletter to keep its members informed about the review and other current issues.