MANAMA: A state-of-the-art forensics lab and a new "crime academy" are among a raft of measures in the pipeline that could transform Bahrain's police service.Interior Ministry adviser John Yates revealed the new lab could be operational within the next two years and would spell the end of confession-based convictions.

This is in addition to the recruitment and training of 500 community police officers - or bobbies on the beat - by the end of the year and the formation of an ombudsman to investigate police complaints within the next 12 months.

Mr Yates, formerly the UK's most senior anti-terrorism officer and Assistant Commissioner at the London Metropolitan Police Service, said Bahraini authorities were behind the plans and one of the UK's top forensic scientists was being consulted on the new lab.

He explained that restoring public confidence in the police, which has been rocked by allegations dating back to last year's unrest, was a key factor in driving forward change in the force.