unauthorised sick-out to protest the snail-like progress of their efforts to secure a new pay contract.

That's not to say that the move, by a large number of uniformed Police officers, should be approved of, because there is now the risk that criminals will assume that they have the freedom to do what they want.

Nor is it a good sign that members of a disciplined force are prepared to take this step -- thought to be the first industrial action in the history of the Police Force -- which, despite all claims to the contrary, could put the public at risk.

But it is a reflection of the disarray that the Service finds itself in. There has been evidence of senior officers bucking authority and running off to Government House to protest their superiors' actions and it should not come as a surprise if rank and file officers now choose to disregard their responsibilities as well, based on the example that has been set.

That, added to the chops and changes in the top of the administration, delays in promotions to all ranks from Superintendents to Sergeants and the virtual disappearance of the community Police concept all suggest -- throuygh little fault of the officers involved -- a Service which had been on the right track and has now lost its sense of direction.

It is also a reflection of the lack of respect that has been shown to the Service. Not only have they been denied a new contract since 1997, but their manpower has been allowed to decrease to crisis levels with little being done to allay the problem until the last few weeks.

Having said all that, the officers should be aware that if a major crime occurs which could have been prevented had they been on duty, then the responsibility will lie with them.

The Police, like medical staff, firefighters and other emergency services, have a higher duty than most people. When they begin their careers, they make a commitment to the public which should be their highest priority.

Usually, that commitment is honoured with respect from the Government in the form of decent pay and working conditions. In this case, the current and previous Governments have reneged on their part of the bargain.