Bermuda's part-time Police officers have launched a drive to drum up new members.

And there are still six or seven places available on the next training course starting in March.

Reserve Police Commandant John Moore said officers come from all walks of life.

But Commandant Moore -- a Canadian-born Master Mariner and vice-president of marine operations for the Meyer Group -- said: "The majority are there for the same reason.

"We all want to give something back to the community -- we care about our Country and volunteer our services to assist the people of Bermuda.

"I'm sure if you asked any individual officer, the answer would be the same.

"There is a lot of personal satisfaction when you can help somebody -- you have to look at it as assisting the public rather than just putting the hard finger of the law on them.'' And the part-time bobbies have the official seal of approval from community policing-orientated Comissioner Colin Coxall. He has championed the role of the Reserves -- especially as vital back-up to regular officers at peak times.

And to reflect their changing role, the old-style grey uniform which set reserve officers apart from their full-time colleagues has gone and was replaced with one almost identical to the regulars.

The Reserve HQ at Prospect was upgraded last year and the part-time service is also in the process of officially changing its name -- dropping the old title of Constabulary in favour of Police.

Commandant Moore, a Reservist for more than 25 years, said: "It's all designed to bring the Reserve Police into line with the current strategy of the Police Service.

"It's all part and parcel -- the change of uniform was for the same reason.

Instead of having an `us and them' mentality, we're all basically the same.

"It's been very positive and working very well. It's added a lot of personal pride to the reserve officers and has been a very good move.'' Reserve officers are required to serve just over 112 hours a year -- although many do much more. Volunteers are unpaid, but qualify for a maximum one-off payment of $3000 at the end of a satisfactory years' service. Anyone interested in beefing up Bermuda's thin blue line should contact their nearest Police station for further information or call Police headquarters on 295-0011.