narcotics and training branches by next spring, according to Commissioner of Police Colin Coxall.

The officers from London's Metropolitan Police would be part of an exchange scheme in which Narcotics Squad head Ch. Insp. George Jackson and training chief Ch. Insp. Jonathan Smith would spend six months in London learning about the latest policing and training methods.

News of the exchange scheme came at a dinner hosted by the New York-based Respect for Law Alliance on Saturday night where Mr. Coxall and stabbing victim Sgt. Ron Beech received gold medals for their Police work.

Mr. Coxall told the audience at the Elbow Beach Hotel that Scotland Yard had agreed to the exchange plan which would be beneficial to both services.

In an interview yesterday, he said the British exchange officers were now being identified and he hoped to have the exchange underway by next spring.

"Both George Jackson and Jonathan Smith are good people who are occupying important positions in the service where I want to bring in new methods,'' he said. "Training is key to the modernisation of the force and narcotics is a national major priority.'' Mr. Coxall said the exchange would expose the Bermuda officers to a new policing environment and more modern methods, while the British officers would be able to introduce new approaches to their respective departments on the Island.

He said Scotland Yard favoured the scheme because it would expose their officers to a new, multicultural environment. "I am hoping for top quality officers,'' he added.

At the dinner, Mr. Coxall also commended Sgt. Beech, who was seriously wounded last September when he pursued two men through the streets of Hamilton and was stabbed as he attempted to arrest them.

Mr. Coxall said Sgt. Beech returned to duty in just two months, "seemingly undeterred by the experience which nearly took his life, despite the fact that he was eligible to retire''.

Sgt. Beech told the audience of American judges, lawyers and Police officers that he was "completely surprised'' when he received news that he was to receive the award and singled out his fellow Police officers, nurse Lynette Raynor and the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital staff for their support during his recovery.

General Arthur Gerwin, a spokesman for the Alliance, said: "We are honouring Sgt. Beech in recognition of his heroic performance as a law enforcement officer. We also want to honour the Commissioner in recognition of his success in reducing crime in Bermuda.'' Keynote speaker New York Congressman Ben Gilman, who was also recognised by the Alliance, told the audience that respect for law was essential for preserving democracy.

"Where there is no respect for law, chaos and dictatorship soon follow,'' he said. "The United States is the longest continuous democracy in the world, but we take that too often for granted.''