The new Commissioner of Police saw his first batch of recruits put through their paces at a passing out ceremony on Thursday.

Seven new officers from Recruit Foundation Course No. 67 marked the official start of their careers at the event at Police Headquarters.

The group is the first to ?pass out? under new commissioner George Jackson, who took up office on December 15. He told them: ?Policing is a very difficult job but it?s also a rewarding profession. You are providing a service to the community that only a dedicated few can do. Stay focused and trust in God and he will be your guide.?

The new officers ? Gareth Alexander, Trecia Johnson, Keola Thompson, Zoenique Williams, Gregory Battersbee, Hannah Brackstone and Cherie-Ann Smith ? have taken part in 18 weeks of intensive training to become police constables.

Their families and friends looked on as Mr. Jackson and Governor Sir John Vereker inspected them, to the sound of the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band. The Mylod Trophy for the officer who made the most progress on the course went to the youngest recruit, 19-year-old PC Thompson.

The oldest recruit, 43-year-old P.c. Battersbee, won the Best All Round Male Athlete Award and the Instructor?s Cup (Male). He also won the Baton of Honour for his leadership and problem-solving skills. The Best All Round Female Athlete Award and the Instructor?s Cup (Female) went to P.c. Williams.

The Academic Award went to P.c. Smith, whose father B.T. Smith is also a police officer.

The new recruits made a $2,025 donation to the Bermuda Diabetes Association at the ceremony. Immigration officers Johnette Wolffe and Lauren Smith, who trained in part with the police recruits, also attended the passing out parade.