There will be a strong Police presence on the streets of Hamilton in coming months thanks to an additional safety unit within the Bermuda Police Service, appropriately named the City Beat Unit. The mandate of the City Beat Unit is to have a highly visible community beat patrol throughout the districts of the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George?s. In making the announcement yesterday Premier Alex Scott said the City Beat Officers would be cognisant of the issues faced in and around Hamilton and St. George?s and will be in a constant sate of readiness to address safety matters for both residents and visitors alike.

Mr. Scott said the City Beat Unit was now operational and as of today offences that affect the quality of life in Bermuda ? including begging, drinking in public places and loitering ? would fall under the watchful eyes of the newly formed unit.

?Initiatives to target chronic offenders have been ongoing for sometime now and a number of these individuals have been apprehended and prosecuted,? he said. He said City Beat Officers had been assigned to work late during Harbour Nights, Market Nights and during Dockyard community events and would provide a high visibility presence to combat anti-social behaviour and discourage criminal activity.

However, Mr. Scott added that the City Beat Officers would not be working in isolation.

?The safety of our residents and tourists is paramount and all operations are coordinated in conjunction with, or supported by CCTV, the Police Support Unit, Serious Crime Unit, Plan clothes reserves officers, reserve officers and Community Beat Officers,? he said. ?One of the pillars of the Government?s Social Agenda speaks to a civil and law abiding country and this new initiative provided by the Bermuda Police Service is a clear indication to meet this mandate.?