Government and Police have been in talks with an overseas firm about reducing crime in Bermuda.

Public Safety Minister Senator David Burch made the announcement in a press release at lunchtime today when he revealed that representatives from the un-named firm travelled to Bermuda last week.

Sen. Burch said: “During my update on activities within my Ministry at the end of last month, I indicated that the Government had been working on an initiative to provide assistance with operational policing.

“I am pleased to report that last week representatives of an overseas firm, with proven experience in reducing crime in large cities, travelled to Bermuda to meet with the Governor, the Premier, the Overseas Police advisor, the Bermuda Police Service leadership and myself. The discussions were fruitful and all agreed to further discussions on the proposal.”

He added: “I know that the BPS leadership is very concerned about the negative perception of their performance and we shall be having further discussions on ways to better address this. In fact, a round-table discussion on the BPS latest Business Case Submissions is scheduled for this Thursday.”

A press release on the developments ended: “Minister Burch advised that as the situation develops, further updates will be provided to the public.”

* For more on this story see tomorrow's Royal Gazette.