Police community relations has far to go in boosting the Force's image.

It was more a case of accentuating the positive things the Bermuda Police Force was doing and pointing it in the right direction.

"Maybe we are not blowing our trumpets enough,'' he said. "We may need to better market ourselves.'' Mr. Edwards added he was excited about the committee, because one of his aims on being appointed Commissioner was improving public confidence in the Force.

The nine-member Police and civilian committee described their first meeting yesterday afternoon at Police headquarters as positive.

But they said it was too early to offer any firm suggestions for improving the Force's image.

However, senior citizens activities coordinator Rev. Fred Hassell suggested retired Police officers share their positive experiences with residents, especially youngsters.

"We have to try and change the view that the Police are the villains,'' he said.

St. George's Secondary headmaster Mr. Dale Butler, agreed, saying there were misconceptions in the community as to what the Force was.

Businessman Mr. Robert Rego said one of the "key points'' to come out of the meeting was that Police were doing many positive things for the Island's residents.

Parent and drug counsellor Mrs. Gail Clark said that as a mother she had several opinions on how the Force could improve its image. But she did not want to disclose them until discussing them with members.

Other members on the committee are chairman Supt. Andrew Bermingham, Insp.

Gertrude Barker, Sgt. John Dale, guest house manager Mrs. Roseann Galloway and coach Mr. Leroy (Nibs) Lewis.

Members will meet every second week and are hoping to have come up with some written recommendations by the end of summer.

GETTING STARTED -- The nine members of a committee set up to find ways of boosting the Bermuda Police Force's image met yesterday for the first time.