Timely call for recruits as senior cops face retirement

A resurgence of interest in the police service could help avert a manpower crisis as the baby boomer generation nears retirement age.

Officers are reaching the end of their service in substantial numbers but at the same time, the economic slump has made police work more alluring to young Bermudians who might otherwise have chosen the private sector. 

Superintendent Sean Field-Lament said: “One can look at the demographics and there is a generation coming up to retirement age at 55.

“…Recruitment in the police service is a continual process. We are limited by our establishment, which is 450 officers and we’re always looking to be close to that amount.”

And he said: “The Commissioner has the option to extend contracts past 55 on a discretionary basis, based on performance and the needs of the service.”

A Bermuda Police spokesman said yesterday that information on the age of officers was “not readily available.”

Supt Field-Lament was speaking as he launched a police recruitment drive at Hamilton police station yesterday, with the aim of attracting between 14 and 20 new recruits.

Baby boomers, part of a post-World War II population spike, were born between the mid-1940s and 1964 – meaning the youngest are now aged around 50.

Bermuda College economics lecturer Craig Simmons said: “It’s not just a problem for the police – it’s an economy-wide problem. It’s a global problem – not just in the police, but at Bermuda College, the Civil Service and even the private sector. As this talent retires, it’s not clear they have sufficient young people to take up the reins. And that scarcity means they could cost more to employ.”

Mr Simmons added that the baby boomer generation would also add to debt, because large numbers of people would be claiming their pension rights at the same time.

He said: “The longer they live – and people are living longer – the more debt they will leave behind for future generations.”

But Supt Field-Lament said that the current economic crisis meant that the police service was becoming more attractive as competing careers struggled with  the recession.

Supt Field-Lament added: “We are aware that in the current economic climate, there are a number of Bermudians looking for a meaningful career or who are considering changing occupations – and the Bermuda Police Service represents a very viable option.

Dynamic

“As a police officer, successful recruits will join a dynamic organization with exceptional benefits – committed to policing with the community and making Bermuda safer.”

He added: “The Bermuda Police Service presents a variety of challenges – it’s a lot more than the stereotypical view of it. It’s working in the community and serving the community at large.”

The force currently has 426 officers on the books – and the new OBA Government made provision for an extra 20 officers in the last Budget in recognition of the rise in gang warfare and shootings, which has stretched the service.

Supt Lament said: “We are hoping to attract people who are looking for a career.

“It takes a special person to commit a lifetime to a career – I have done nearly 30 years myself. It takes a lot of dedication and belief in what you’re doing.”

Supt Field-Lament added that – in contrast to past years, when the service had difficulty in attracting Bermudian officers – policing was now seen as a viable career choice.

He said: “Gone are the days we were struggling for recruits – trying to attract locals to become police officers was a challenge.

“That has diminished – we are seeing a lot more interest in policing careers and one has to be cognizant of the current economic climate. It’s a combination of factors – people out there want to be part of the solution. Bermuda has some challenges and it’s one of the ways they can try to make Bermuda safer and a country that people want.” He added that the image of the service had also changed over the years.

Supt Field-Lament said: “We work with the community and people find that attractive. We are working more in partnership in the community and the public has a lot more confidence in and know we are striving to solve some of the challenges.”

Applicants for trainee police constables should be aged between 19-49 and have a valid Bermuda driving licence.

They should be Bermudians, the non-Bermudian spouse of a Bermudian or have a letter from the Immigration Department confirming they have permission to seek work in Bermuda without a work permit. They should also have a high school leaving certificate and a good standard of education.

Mr Field-Lament added: “Most importantly, they must be honest and possess a high degree of integrity, be team players, highly motivated, decisive and calm under pressure with good interpersonal skills.” n

Application forms are available at police stations or at www.bermudapolice.bm. Advertisements are due to run in the print media and recruiters will be attending community events to publicise the vacancies.