Police are demanding extra measures for guarding the Premier after claiming the current set-up was ineffective and put officers at risk.

But Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon has questioned how much extra security was needed and she fears the taxpayer could be forced to fork out just to boost Jennifer Smith's image.

A Police newsletter obtained by The Royal Gazette said security at the Premier's Laurels residence had not been given proper regard.

Bermuda Police Association (BPA) chairman Insp. Michael DeSilva wrote: "Proper security systems must be installed and protocols for protection must be developed in order that our officers are able to provide protection and remain safe at the same time.'' The Government Security Officer is now looking into the matter and the BPA itself has commissioned a private security evaluation.

But United Bermuda Party Leader Pamela Gordon said more than a quarter of a million dollars had already been spent on renovating the Laurels for the Premier's use.

Ms Gordon said: "I find it most peculiar should be a circular in the Police newsletter indicating there is not sufficient security.

"I would have thought with all the renovations done there would have been a proper system in place.

Police call for added security "When there was intelligence that there was a threat to the leader of the country, there was 24-hour security.

"But Government must decide whether that's the best way to spend money recognising that there is no obvious threat to a Government which claims to be the people's Government.'' The Bermuda Regiment is looking at taking over the responsibility for guarding the Premier from the Police.

But Regiment Commanding Officer Lt. Col. David Gibbons said earlier this week that it could take as many as 18 soldiers to carry out the task of guarding the Laurels and the cabinet office.

And he said additional administrative staff might need to be appointed.

Ms Gordon said: "All these things would not be necessary unless there was a real concern -- or are they just for image?'' Ms Gordon said Premier Jennifer Smith had nearly doubled the salary of her driver, had employed a chef and was paying her housekeeper $40,000 a year as well as employing a personal assistant and a chief of staff.

A Police spokesman refused to comment about security at the Laurels, saying it was an internal matter and that the newsletter should not have been leaked to the press.

However a Police insider said extra security measures at the Laurels would be pointless because if someone wanted to attack the Premier they could simply wait until she got outside.

He said: "It's a lot of fuss about nothing.'' Police have been asked to provide monthly progress reports to the Home Affairs Ministry on the state of several Police buildings which are breaching regulations.

A Police spokesman said the main area of concern was the St. George's Police station.

He said that renovation work was being done to improve it in the short term before officers move to a new site. Upgrades are also being done at the Police barracks in St. George's.