A Police Authority will bring greater emphasis on community policing, the national security minister said today.

Renée Ming said: “We are seeking to introduce a Police Authority which will comprise Government House, the Government, the police and laymen working together to establish Bermuda’s policing priorities and determine the funding required to properly support our valued service.”

Ms Ming added a national crime prevention plan would be drawn up to address “gun, knife and gang violence“.

She said the plan would “forge key partnerships” to identify programmes and policies that would cut crime.

She said parenting classes would be introduced by her ministry during this session of Parliament, so that “vulnerable and at-risk young people will benefit”.

Ms Ming added: “We want to ensure we are providing Bermuda’s at-risk families with the right guidance and support they need to thrive.”

She was speaking after the Throne Speech on November 6 promised the creation of a Police Authority for “an open and collaborative forum”.

Ms Ming said the concept meant “members of the community becoming more involved in a collaborative approach” with police officers.

She added: “Over the past year, the Bermuda Police Service has sought to engage in best practices as it relates to our policing.”

Ms Ming said the Gang Resistance Education and Training Programme had resumed with the return to school after the half-term break.

She added the Redemption Farm programme was set to restart with a new group of trainees.