Police should balance dropping 24-hour service from peripheral stations with a review of patrolling capacity, the Progressive Labour Party stated this afternoon.

Walter Roban, the Shadow Minister of National Security, responded to the announcement last week that the Bermuda Police Service planned to remove duty officers from round the clock, front counter detail at the Southside, Somerset and Airport police stations.

The BPS described the move, planned for this month, as an efficiency measure due to a lack of customer service.

Officers would continue to work at Southside and Somerset, but the civilian duty officers would be transferred elsewhere.

In a statement this afternoon, Mr Roban said the removal of a physical police present from the community, without enhancing the existing services, might save money.

However, he said it did not “speak to the main priorities of the Bermuda Police Service: keeping our communities safe”.

He said the Opposition believed the manpower changes should be accompanied by a patrol and staffing survey to maintain a strong and visible police presence.

Mr Roban further suggested:

• Reform of the Community Beat Officers programme to ensure that it was working, appropriately staffed and given the resources needed to do an effective job;

• Consideration of maintaining a presence at the affected stations during peak hours.

He also took the One Bermuda Alliance to task for promising a fully operational police station in St George’s — which has not materialised.

“This combined with the scaling back of operations across the island, reinforces our position that in the absence of these operational facilities, a visible, increased presence would not only be helpful, but welcomed by our community.”

Last week’s announcement by the BPS added that a full statement on the move was expected before the end of the month, when the changes are to take effect.