Efforts will be made to increase the number of police officers this year, the Senate heard yesterday.

Curtis Richardson, the Junior Minister of Health, Transport and National Security, said that while the Bermuda Police Service numbers had fallen, a recruitment drive would take place this year to bolster its ranks.

He also told the Senate that there were 12 officers out of work with long-term sickness and ten who were on suspension.

Mr Richardson also responded to questions about the Royal Bermuda Regiment, explaining that they expect re-enlistment figures to rise this year.

He explained that the rise would come both as a natural side-effect of the end of conscription and benefits for service.

Mr Richardson also maintained the boats used by the coast guard unit were safe, despite their age.

He told the Senate that the age of coast guard vessels ranges between 6 years and 30 years, but officers only use vessels that have been properly serviced.

The senator also agreed to answer other questions raised during the debate in writing because of the shortage of time to answer them in the two-hour debate.

Ben Smith, Opposition Senate Leader, had also raised a number of questions about the fire service and the Department of Corrections.

He asked if WestGate has cell-phone jamming devices and the status of the facility’s cameras and gates - along with the number of corrections officers who are out with long-term illness.