Government backbencher Ashfield DeVent is backing Senator David Burch’s call for the Governor to hand over control of the Police.

The former Works and Engineering Minister told The Royal Gazette: “Most governments run their police service. I don’t think we have enough say in what is done and how the Police operate.

“I believe at the moment the Police force is not as effective as it could be and should be. Something has to be done. I think ultimately the Minister who uses taxpayers’ money to fund the service must have a greater say in what and how they do.”

Sen. Burch, the Public Safety Minister, made a speech in the Senate a week ago calling for Sir John Vereker to relinquish his constitutional control over the Island’s Police force.

The former Regiment commanding officer said Bermuda had “real problems” but that he was powerless to improve the Police, despite the fact that Government paid for the service.

His comments came just days after Premier Ewart Brown threatened to “suspend further business” with the Governor in a row over a leaked Police file on a corruption investigation into Bermuda Housing Corporation.

Since then, Sir John and Dr. Brown have issued a statement together about their “joint commitment to working with the Bermuda Police Service in accordance with their respective responsibilities”.

Mr. DeVent said the Governor had ultimate responsibility for the Police service under the Constitution so must be held accountable for its failings. “The buck has to stop with him,” he said. “I fully support Colonel Burch.”

He said Opposition criticism of the Government for rising crime was unfair. “The Government only has so much control over the Police. They, as well as us, need to put pressure on His Excellency. They know very well how it works.”

Mr. DeVent added that his constituency - Pembroke South East, which includes Court Street and Middletown - had serious crime problems and not enough was being done to tackle it.

“The area is known for anti-social behaviour,” he said. “My area has never felt that they were policed correctly. Some time ago we had people complaining that there was too great a Police presence. I welcomed that presence and I think we saw a huge difference in behaviour. Gradually, it’s completely disappeared.”

A former high-ranking Police officer told this newspaper that the need for the Police to remain under the authority of a non-political agency was vital.

The source said that the Governor’s responsibility for appointing the Police Commissioner and overseeing policing was an important separation of power.

“It could well be to the disadvantage of Bermuda if that were changed. I think it would be potentially dangerous for the Island.”

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Public Safety said last night that Sen. Burch had yet to receive a response to his request from the Governor. Government House could not be contacted for comment.