Bermudian society is changing rapidly and regrettably, the change is not all for the best, said Police Commissioner, Mr. Lennett (Lennie) Edwards.

"Violent crimes, domestic violence, indecency offences and open prostitution are escalating. "And the Police Force has to think differently in an effort to combat it,'' he said. Officers are being constantly trained to deal with domestic violence and indecency offences. And the police are working closely with the Health and Social Services Ministry, said Mr. Edwards. "We also recognise the input by the coalition of domestic violence headed by Sheelagh Cooper,'' he noted. Violence toward both police and the public has caused Mr.

Edwards a great deal of concern. And the recent cutback in the number of police officers weakened the force's efficiency allowing for even more violence. "During my first year as Commissioner, we underwent a cut in manpower due to the recession. I had to cut 25 officers from the force,'' said Mr. Edwards. "It created a lot of anxiety among personnel and we were forced to do more with less. "The service has undoubtedly been bruised. But we've managed and I like to think we're getting back on top of things.'' Mr. Edwards said one of the milestones in his career as Commissioner thus far occurred when he appointed a Commission lead by headmaster of Dellwood Primary, Mr.

Dale Butler and Superintendant, Andy Bermingham (retired) to explore different policing methods. "It was the first time in police history that a local body was appointed to look in,'' he noted. "And the document, known as the Tumin Commission, produced as a result of the local body, is now the blueprint for the necessary changes to police styles, management and so forth.'' One of the document's major issues is the need to move away from naming the police as a force. Rather, it should be considered a service, said Mr. Edwards."We want the public to know that we are here to serve and protect them, not to harass them,'' he noted. The Commission has also studied community policing, a method which is currently sweeping the Western hemisphere. Offices abroad are used for monitoring the various styles of community policing. And the Police Service is attempting to implement a Bermudian version based on these policing reports. "Community policing involves the public,'' stressed Mr. Edwards.

"The public must assist by forming themselves into different committees and working with parish constables. It will take a concerted effort by both the police and the community.'' He noted the former Commissioner, Mr. Clive Donald once said this Island is awash with drugs. "This statement still holds true,'' he said. "A lot of people are dependent on drugs and they need to be freed from the habit. "It's a habit that spawns violence and crime. But it's my hope that through education and the National Drug Commission's efforts, drug use will slow down.'' Mr. Edwards added the police are working closely with custom officials in an effort to stop drugs from coming into the Island.

As well, they are meeting with hotel and cottage colony security firms to help combat crime. The police service presently works at a strength of 432 officers, down from the official establishment of 489. But Mr. Edwards plans to get many of the service's clerks working on the streets in an effort to increase police manpower. "We want to employ more civilians and put the clerks, (who are trained police officers), on the street.'' He added: "This will give the public more interaction with the police, which is important to my Commissionership. The more interaction civilains have with the police, the better they will understand police officers and the police service. "I think it's extremely important to address this,'' he said. PHOTO STUDENT VISIT - Commissioner Edwards has a friendly chat with students of the Francis Patton Primary School.