Bermuda's Police chief has branded some of his officers "plain lazy''.

Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay also said the Service was short-staffed.

His comments came in a candid exchange with Pembroke West residents.

"There is a real need to change the mind-set of many in the Police service.

We have to serve the public but we are finding some of our people are just plain lazy.'' The Commissioner highlighted the problem while replying to a resident who complained she got the run around from Police.

The woman claimed she had witnessed criminal activity at Admiralty House Park.

But when she reported it to the Police, she was told by an officer to contact the Parks Department since it was responsible for everything that happened in the parks.

The woman added the Parks department directed her back to Police.

"That officer is either ignorant or lazy.'' said Commissioner Lemay.

"Or both,'' added Inspector Legay Farley.

"Or both.'' agreed Commissioner Lemay.

The Commissioner also apologised for the "run around'' the woman received and explained that all criminal matters were handled by the Police Service.

Thursday night's meeting attracted a relatively low turnout. Organiser Erwin Adderley attributed it to dissatisfaction with the results of a meeting last year.

"I think the low numbers here tonight are due to high expectations not being met from last time.'' he told the audience.

He expressed concern at blatant drug activity in Admiralty House Park, adding many people were now afraid to enter it.

"There is high drug activity in there. I could take you there now and you could see one of those things going down.'' "Many people are afraid to go there.'' he continued. "I think it's a shame.

I grew up in this area. We need to take our park back for our grandchildren.'' But despite Mr. Adderley's plea and concerns from other residents, Commissioner Lemay and head of narcotics, Inspector Legay Farley, explained that Police were short staffed and were presently concentrating on a different aspect of the problem.

"The problem with drugs in Bermuda is huge.'' said Inspector Farley. "A survey we conducted before a major operation a few years ago revealed some 35 areas in this small Bermuda, where people can buy drugs all day, 24 seven.'' "We have some serious constraints.'' he continued. "How do we use what we have for maximum benefit? "Right now we are focusing on drug importers.'' he said. "You will realise that the Bermuda drug scene depends on the drugs being brought in. Drugs are not manufactured here.'' Inspector Farley also claimed that Police were seeing success with the plan of attack. "We've been very successful and have seen sentences of 12 and 15 years handed out. These types of sentences are important because we need to get these people out of circulation.'' Jean-Jacques Lemay