News that four Police officers remain on long-term paid suspensions with no decision made about their futures has again been condemned as a waste of taxpayers? money.

The fact that almost half a million dollars has been paid to the officers ? who are off work due to a variety of allegations against them ? was highlighted in Parliament by Shadow Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley in December.

In answer to his questions, Randolph Horton, Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety, revealed that two of the officers have been off work for more than three years. He said he expected a resolution of all the cases within six months.

Almost two months on, Deputy Police Commissioner Roseanda Young revealed this week that no decisions have yet been made on the futures of the four officers.

Mrs Young, who is in charge of disciplinary matters within the Bermuda Police Service told ?The matters are still under investigation and I cannot give a time scale for decisions. That would be unfair. We have to let the investigation take its course and not do a shoddy job of it. No-one wants Police officers suspended from duty but sometimes that?s required.?

And Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety Randolph Horton said: ?We are addressing the situation and looking at finalising what should happen.?

However, Mr. Dunkley said that these responses were not acceptable. ?Enough time has gone on and nothing has been resolved. There has been a blatant disregard for efficiency in managing the public purse. I think that if this had not been brought to the public?s attention this matter would have continued to fester behind the scenes,? he said.

?The people responsible for this have dropped the ball although I?m not saying that they should now run through it like a bull in a china shop and resolve it in an unsatisfactory manner.

He added: ?This issue is not about the officers that have been suspended as they are probably not feeling comfortable about the situation themselves.?