first day of training because of six unpaid fines from two years ago.

And Tomeeka Talbot is set to continue her training with the Police Service as Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay has approved her recruitment after she promised Senior Magistrate Will Francis she would pay her $1,510 fine by August 6.

Talbot, 24, of 10 Harrington Sound Road, told Senior Magistrate Will Francis on Thursday that she would pay the fines but denied charges of speeding and not having a driver's licence in May. She will be tried on October 19.

Talbot was fined $260 in January 1997 for speeding at 65 kph, $500 for not having third party insurance, and $200 for having an unlicensed motorcycle.

She was also fined $150 for no driver's licence, and $300 for making a false statement. All of the offences occurred on November 16, 1996.

Talbot was also fined $100 for speeding at 57 kph on January 9, 1997.

A Police spokesman did confirm the arrest "of a member of the public who had expressed interest in joining the service''.

And he declined to comment on her application but said "certain legal matters'' had to be addressed for the woman to continue.

A total of 30 new recruits to Bermuda's thin blue line have been signed up after a massive drive to attract fresh blood, Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox told MPs yesterday.

And she said: "Once their training is complete their presence on the streets will have a significant impact.'' She was speaking after her Shadow, Michael Dunkley, asked for an update on Service strength.

Ms Cox said the new recruits would boost the Service to 435 officers -- two above the budgeted strength of 433.

But Mr. Dunkley said afterwards that the Budget figure for the Police was 444 officers.

And he said he was still concerned over the timeframe for the extra officers hitting the beat.

Mr. Dunkley added: "I appreciate the Minister's answer, but there's still a lot which needs to be answered.

"Any new Police officers, I'll be happy. But I don't have a timeframe and that's concerning to me.'' The Police Service has been hit in recent months by claims of severe undermanning, morale problems and by a long-running row over new contracts.

Mr. Dunkley said: "There are also problems with facilities and equipment which need to be upgraded. There was no commitment on this -- or if there is, it's a secret and the only way we'll find out is by asking questions.''