Government are set to do a U-turn and give Police the go-ahead to recruit officers from overseas to stem a manpower crisis on the force.

But Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox was staying tight-lipped over plans to boost Bermuda's thin blue line.

Her Opposition counterpart, Michael Dunkley, however, backed 35-year veteran ex-Commissioner Lennett (Lennie) Edwards' call for an overseas recruitment drive immediately -- and said around 36 trained officers should be brought in.

Ms Cox confirmed: "The Commissioner of Police and I have had discussions and he's coming up with a proposal with regard to Police recruitment.

"But at this stage, I'm not reacting to the comments of a former Commissioner because the matter is being dealt with.

"Until all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed, it would be premature of me to say anything.'' But The Royal Gazette understands that Government could be eyeing the possibility of taking on overseas officers from the traditional recruitment areas in the Caribbean and UK after an on-Island bid to sign up Bermudians produced "disappointing results''.

It is believed that Ms Cox met with Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay immediately after the latest attempt to drum up recruits from Bermuda -- and before Mr. Edwards, who retired in 1995, said overseas recruitment was the only option left.

Government -- committed to Bermudianisation -- may find it difficult to sell overseas recruitment to voters.

But it is believed the Minister could sweeten the pill by using secondments from other forces and short-term, fixed contracts instead of renewable deals as in the past.

Mr. Edwards warned that Bermudians interested in a Police career were "just not there'' -- partly because of high-paying jobs in booming international business.

He added he understood sensitivity over recruiting abroad and stressed that he was all for Bermudianisation.

But he said "politics has to go out the window'' to ensure safety and security on the streets.

Mr. Dunkley said: "I've been saying exactly the same thing for a long time.

"I would support Mr. Edwards 100 percent -- and when this comes from someone who has been in the position of Police Commissioner, the Minister should listen to these comments carefully and get a move on.'' Mr. Dunkley added: "We've had plenty of time to recruit and as he pointed out that, in this economy, it's very difficult to find employees anywhere.

"We're fooling ourselves to think we'll get the same numbers to get us back up to the full strength.

"Until we really look at the picture without blinders on, it won't get any better.'' And he said: "I believe we should recruit Bermudians and I support that -- but we're not going to be able to replace people from overseas.'' Mr. Dunkley added: "I would bring in around 36 officers now -- although that may change -- to help us.

"They would be experienced officers and I'd leave it to the Police Commissioner to decide where he would get them from to fit in best with Bermuda.''