Employing a British officer as Commissioner has been justified by the huge progress the Bermuda Police Service has made, according to Inspector General Lionel Grundy.

However Mr. Grundy could not give a time when he believed a Bermudian would take over the top posts in the Service.

He also believes Government must carry out a review of the number of Police officers needed to police Bermuda -- putting a stop to concerns over officers' availability for duty.

Mr. Grundy, Inspector General of Dependent Territories, leaves the Island today after a week carrying out a follow-up inspection of the Service which he saw in May, 1994, when he was called in by Governor Lord Waddington.

It was Mr. Grundy's recommendation to employ overseas officers as Commissioner and Deputy that led to the appointment of Colin Coxall and Michael Mylod.

Although his first report was never made public, it is understood to have been a damning indictment of the Force which was suffering low morale and facing escalating crime.

Yesterday Mr. Grundy said: "When I came in 1994, it was against a background of concern expressed within the Police Service and outside at the levels of increasing crime in these Islands.

"There was also some concern about the direction the Police Service was taking.'' He added: "My general view is that a great deal has been performed here to put the Force on a sensible course for Policing into the next millenium.'' Police morale `improved' Three months after Mr. Coxall arrived in Bermuda he published his Service Strategy and Mr. Grundy said it addressed almost all the recommendations in his last report.

He said it also laid down clear policies for the future and addressed problems affecting Bermuda, as evidenced by a reduction in crime.

In addition, Police buildings are being improved, equipment and training updated and morale had improved, said Mr. Grundy.

"When I came here last time I was very interested in morale and in particular the morale of the younger members of the Police.

"It was very encouraging to hear the Police Association's views of what is taking place and they appear to be fully behind and fully understand what the Commissioner is trying to achieve. I would say that the morale is very much improved,'' said Mr. Grundy.

"In my view a tremendous amount has been achieved in terms of direction of the Force.

"There is a Force strategy and a Force mission statement and a series of priorities have been identified -- dealing with crime, higher profile Policing and a reduction in death and injuries through road traffic accidents.'' Improvements he hopes to see in the future include a scheme for young recruits to work alongide a tutor constable.

Mr. Grundy also suggested a review of the Force establishment -- the total number of officers employed as Police -- because of concerns about the number of Police officers available for duty.

A review would help Bermuda "arrive at some understanding about how many Police are required to police Bermuda''.

He added: "Under the circumstances and the fact that so much has taken place, it was justified bringing in an expatriate Commissioner of Police.

"My professional view is that what has been achieved is for the better of Bermuda. It is to the advantage of everyone in Bermuda to have an efficient, effective Police Force, that responds to the community interests.'' Mr. Coxall and the new Deputy, Jean Jacques Lemay, are charged with finding a successor for both posts.

Several officers have been earmarked for overseas training for six months in swaps with officers in British forces.

Yesterday Mr. Grundy admitted it was one of the "challenging aspects of Mr.

Coxall's role''.

"I recommended that an expatriate officer should come in as Commissioner but one of the issues that I felt needed to be addressed was the identification of talent within the Bermuda Police Service.

"I have no doubt in my mind that there are people in the Service who have the potential to rise to the top.

"The important thing is to identify that potential at a sufficiently early stage so you can invest in that person the appropriate training and experience.

"The role of both the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner is to attempt to identify such talent and bring it forward. That is a process that has been going on. Let's hope that proves to be successful.'' Mr. Grundy added: "I have no doubt that at some time in the future it will be the case that someone will take over. Whether it is 15 months, 18 months or three years I do not know.

"It is not so much about making a recommendation, it is about making a professional judgment about whether there are officers in Bermuda who may take over the post from Mr. Coxall.

"I will comment to the Governor about the potential within the Service for succession but I do that in every inspection.'' Lionel Grundy