Gun suspects could have their passports confiscated to stop them fleeing overseas while on Police bail, Government announced yesterday.

Convicted criminals may also be sent abroad for a tougher jail experience than Westgate offers.

Speaking after Cabinet met to discuss the weekend's gun violence, Attorney General Kim Wilson said the Premier wants her to look into enhancing Police powers.

"When a person has been arrested and released on Police bail, unfortunately the Police have limited powers in respect of imposing conditions on the individual," she said.

Only once someone is charged in court can a Magistrate order them to surrender their travel documents, impose a curfew and make them report to a Police station regularly as part of their bail.

"What we're looking at is extending the Police powers similarly in line with the Magistrates in respect of adding conditions to their bail," explained Sen. Wilson.

Bermuda has experienced problems in the past with persons suspected of serious crimes – but not charged with them – fleeing the Island while on Police bail.

Jahmel Blakeney, a suspect in the shooting of Shaki Minors and girlfriend Renee Kuchler outside Southside cinema on November 13 2009, flew to the US after he was arrested and released.

And Kenith Bulford, a suspect in the shooting of Shaundae Jones in 2003 fled to Jamaica after receiving Police bail. He was eventually extradited back, but the case was dropped after a key Crown witness withdrew his evidence.

The Police have announced 13 arrests in connection with the seven gun murders in the past twelve months, but no-one has been charged in court.

The Police were unable to provide figures yesterday on how many of those arrested and placed on Police bail have left the Island.

Asked if it was a big problem, Sen. Wilson replied: "I can't speak on behalf of the Police. But I do understand that some people just decide that they wish to remain abroad. Had there been circumstances where the Police had been able to have them surrender travel documents then we may not find those particular cases."

Other issues she's exploring are attaching further bail conditions to persons after they've been charged in court with gun crimes, and exploring stronger penalties for offences on the law books.

On the issue of prisoners, Premier Ewart Brown said he's asked Public Safety Minister David Burch to look at the "overseas transfer of incarcerated persons."

He said: "There were some glitches and hurdles some years ago when we first looked into it. But we want to take a fresh look at that to see whether that will assist us in our present predicament."

He went on to explain: "Our prison has, I don't know whether it's justly or unjustly, been accused of being less than a prison. And we often hear people in the legal community say that prison in Bermuda is not as difficult as it might be in some other locations. And the thought is that some of our people would benefit while incarcerated in other jurisdictions."

Dr. Brown did not go into further detail. However, he also revealed that he's asked Sen. Wilson to review the laws currently on Bermuda's books to see if they can be used more effectively.

"We are trying to find out whether we are prosecuting to the fullest extent of the existing laws. That we have to do in conjunction with the Bermuda Police Service. It is important that we not simply pile new laws on top of existing laws without ensuring that the present laws are properly exercised and followed," he said.

Sen. Burch hinted on Sunday that Parliament could reconvene ahead the scheduled May 7 start date in order to pass new anti-violence legislation. Dr. Brown said yesterday that the idea has not been ruled out, but has not been decided upon.

Meanwhile, he said Government would embark on discussions with the Corrections service, Police, church groups and the judiciary on the ideas mooted yesterday.

He also praised the Police, who he said have been working very hard over the last four or five days. There were were three separate gun and knife incidents over Easter that left one man dead and four people injured.

"I anticipate that you will see evidence very soon of their work," said Dr. Brown.

However, Shadow Minister for Public Safety Michael Dunkley said Government's response to the latest violence has been "totally inadequate" and follows the previous pattern: "A shocking crime followed by high-level meetings, strong words, 'get-tough' action plans and then, nothing."

Sen. Dunkley added: "We will take the Government at their word that good Police work will soon be revealed, but note the public has little confidence because it has seen nothing but escalating gun activity over the past two years. In addition, we are concerned the Government does not have the slightest idea how to stop the shooting and break down the structures that support gangs. This is a crisis that has been festering and growing for years."