Deputy Police Commissioner again reiterated his commitment to seeing more bobbies on the beat.

The Hamilton Rotary Club presented the award as Mr. Michael Mylod outlined the multi-faceted role of a Parish Constable.

He and the Commissioner, Mr. Colin Coxall, are committed to getting more officers patrolling their own parishes, gaining the trust of the community and helping to stamp out crime at grass roots level.

"The Parish Constable scheme must be supported by the Service and the public and be treated as a priority for resources. This is, and remains, a priority for the Bermuda Police Service,'' said Mr. Mylod.

It is hoped to free officers for patrol duty through greater civilianisation of the force. More than 80 Police officers should eventually be freed for duty this way.

Mr. Mylod added: "In 1993, 57 Constables were taken from the service strength -- a position from which the Service has not yet recovered, thus making the civilianisation programme so totally necessary.

"The demand in Bermuda is unarguably for a greater physically visible Police presence on the streets.'' He said the role of the Parish Constable would wide-ranging -- gaining the trust of the local people and establishing a good rapport, helping to reduce crime by visible patrols and investigating some crime themselves.

The officer should also get involved in the local community through schools, youth clubs and sports clubs and should also try and help victims of crime.

In addition, it is hoped their mere physical presence will help reduce anti-social behaviour on the roads. "This is a very tall order for any officer,'' said Mr. Mylod. "There can be no doubt that this programme is wanted by Bermuda. That message has come through loud, clear and unambiguously.

"It is a contract between Police and public where there is mutual support and mutual respect against the evil of the fear of crime.''