in the force.

Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay and Assistant Commissioner Alan Bissell met worried neighbours of the Prospect Police headquarters on Thursday night.

And the Police chiefs told members of the Frog Lane Condominium Association they would do their best to improve driving standards.

Residents, led by association chairman Terry Flood, wrote to Mr. Lemay complaining that Police bikes and cars were zooming out of control along Frog Lane, right outside Prospect.

They said officers were speeding up and down the road even when not responding to emergencies.

A Police spokesman said drivers only travelled at high speed when responding to calls.

But Mr. Flood said Police had given him assurances they would investigate the claims.

And Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley -- at the meeting with fellow Devonshire South MP John Barritt -- also said Police promised to take the matter seriously.

He said: "Mr. Lemay and Mr. Bissell gave their assurances that they would try to look into these concerns and they admitted that they could do a better job within the service in trying to get on top of the problem areas.

"We were very pleased with the tone of the meeting and the association have certainly been very proactive with the Police in trying to make sure they have a great neighbourhood to live in.

"They have been communicating with the Police over the years about the problems of speeding and other issues.

"But I must stress we do have a good Police service, even though there are some people who need to remember that they lead by example.

"We came out of the meeting comfortable that the Police were listening and taking the concerns on board. We should now see some action.'' Mr. Flood said: "It was a very successful and very productive meeting. Mr.

Lemay said he had instructed his divisional officers about unnecessary speeding and the importance of not having an accident on the way to an accident.

"We do accept that Police need to respond to emergencies as quickly as possible but Mr. Lemay and Mr. Bissell took our comments very seriously.'' The Royal Gazette reported on the residents' fears about speeding Police cars last year.

Mr. Flood added: "We have noticed that incidents have been cut down since that story ran and we told Mr. Lemay that we are not anti-Police.

Lemay makes pledge to Prospect residents "They have helped us in this area for many years, sorting out parking problems from football matches and noise problems from concerts.

"But this was the first time a Police Commissioner came to meet with us in one of our homes and we are satisfied the Bermuda Police Service is in good hands.'' A Police spokesman said officers were "duty-bound to respond in a timely fashion'' to emergencies.

And he said the traffic and motorcycle section officers who operate out of Prospect were among the most well-trained drivers in the force.

He added: "It's unfortunate for the residents around the Police headquarters that there will be occasions when Police vehicles have to travel above average speeds. They don't go speeding up and down Frog Lane just for the sake of it.''