force on Tuesday night was a resounding success, according to Deputy Commandant Calvin Hollis.

About 40 curious and concerned citizens squeezed into the reserve's small Prospect headquarters and from that 27 applications were tendered. The part-time bobbies are presently looking for 80 of Bermuda's finest with an eye to bringing the force up to 180-strong by 1998.

The reserves have taken on new significance in the frontline of community policing under the Commissioner Colin Coxall's reform plans for the service, said Mr. Hollis.

Sporting new uniforms, citizens from all walks of life work in tandem with the regular service and Parish Constables, providing backup and assisting the service during periods of heavy demand.

Reserve officers -- both male and female -- receive 15 weeks of Police training and are required to return at least 112 hours of service throughout the year.

Once trained, Reserve officers are then posted to one of the Island's three detachments or the marine division. For their labours, volunteers are paid a bounty of between $1,700 and $3,000 at the the end of the year.

In addition to community service, the reserves also provide an invaluable training ground for new regular recruits, said Mr. Hollis, a 26-year veteran of the service.

"Many see it as a good stepping stone into the Police, there's no question about that. I've seen about 20 officers in my day move on to join the regular force. It's great experience for them,'' added Mr. Hollis.

To become a Reserve officer one must be a British Commonwealth citizen, possess at least a high school certificate, and have strong interpersonal skills. Recruits must also be willing to work evenings and weekends as required.

Persons between the age of 21 and 60 with no criminal records interested in joining the reserves can contact their nearest Police station or call 299-1919 and leave a message. All applicants must pass Police interviews and a medical exam.

DUTY BOUND -- Police Reserves Deputy Commandant Calvin Hollis, right, and new Police Reserve officer Michael Watkins, a service manager at Bermuda Marine Supply, stand in their new uniforms.