The resignations of the heads of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is just another symptom of the Progressive Labour Party's (PLP) lack of accountability and openness, the Opposition United Bermuda Party (UBP) claimed last week.

"The frustrations experienced by the past Chair and his deputy speak to the PLP's lack of understanding," said Shadow Home Affairs Minister Patricia Gordon Pamplin. "They have failed to implement even the most basic legislative changes that would allow the Authority to act effectively in discharging its caseload. Remember justice delayed is justice denied."

Mrs. Gordon Pamplin was reacting to news that Coles Diel, former PCA chairman admitted to being frustrated over the body's lack of effectiveness and complained that legislative changes which would have improved things have been too slow in coming. Mr. Diel and his deputy Alan Dunch both resigned their positions last month.

"A solution to the problem was apparently discussed with the former minister Ms Cox, but we understand that the present Minister, Mr. (Terry) Lister, has not even bothered to respond to the overtures of the hierarchy of the Authority, who really were anxious to do the job they were asked to do," continued Mrs. Gordon Pamplin.

"It is our understanding that over the past two years, a backlog of nearly 200 outstanding complaints against the Police has built up, and has yet to be resolved."

The law creating the Authority was among the last pieces of legislation passed by the Island's legislators before the 1998 general election which brought the PLP to power.

It was unanimously approved by the House of Assembly in June 1998 after being piloted through by then Home Affairs Minister Maxwell Burgess. Its purpose then was to create an independent civilian body to investigate complaints lodged against the Police. Prior to the legislation, complaints against the Police were handled and investigated by the Police - a civilian oversight committee existed but without any real authority.

Members of the Authority have complained that the law is flawed and too cumbersome and restricts the body from carrying out its work effectively.

Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister has not returned calls seeking comment.

Meanwhile the Police Service responded to news of the resignations saying that both the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner are "well aware" that the two former heads of the PCA were "forceful advocates of reform".

"We enjoyed our working relationship with them and indeed the entire PCA over the past few years."

The written statement went on to say that the Commissioner had shared its views on reform with the Minister Lister.

"The Police Service completely respects the legislated authority of the PCA and will continue to work very closely with the PCA to ensure that we carry out our responsibilities in accordance with the law."

Mrs. Gordon Pamplin stressed that complaints against the Police must be handled expeditiously. "Failure to do so undermines the integrity of the department, and the trust of the Police in dealing with Police matters."