Rank and file Police have hit back at claims made by former officers at the state of the service.

And the chairman of the Bermuda Police Association called for more support for officers, under pressure from low staffing, and sometimes poor working conditions.

Sgt. Michael Jackman said there was much hope for the future, once some of the difficulties facing the service are rapidly addressed.

He was speaking after a series of stories in the Royal Gazette , where former officers levelled accusations of low morale and lack of support by bosses.

And, the three ex-Police officers claimed there was "rampant'' sexual harassment and outdated equipment, coupled with low staffing levels, adding to the force's problems.

Sgt. Jackman said the stories should have been balanced with the views of serving officers. The BPA was not contacted for comment, he added.

"The articles have portrayed the Bermuda Police Service as some sort of melting pot. This is far from the truth,'' he said.

"These ex-members must have left the force some time ago, because the things they are complaining about have long been addressed.

"Yes, there are a number of concerns but the members have continued to be very professional as they await solutions.

"The public must understand that what they have read in the last few weeks is far from being true. Members continue to act in a very professional and efficient manner in dealing with all the challenges we face.

"We know we have the continued support of the public. However, we would like to see more support from the Government and the newspapers.'' Sgt. Jackman said the constant changing of Police Commissioners during the 1990s had affected management strategy and succession planning.

But he had praise for current Commissioner, Jean Jacques Lemay, who he said had involved the lower ranks in Service decision making and had set up an open door policy with the BPA.

The chairman acknowledged there were still difficulties to be ironed out, in particular the long standing employment contract dispute, which is expected to be resolved next week.

"This has created the most concern and despondency to our members. Had this been resolved, officers would be more willing and able to deal with some of the other problems they are facing.'' Concerns over a manpower shortage would be somewhat alleviated when the new recruits graduate, but would not be solved, he said.

"Even then there will be shortages, as natural attrition will reduce numbers.

We also have concerns about the large number of inexperienced officers hitting the streets at the same time.'' Police buildings, another area of concern, were in a "deplorable condition'' and could be condemned if Health and Safety Inspectors were called in, he claimed.

"If you, or any of the members of your staff had to work under these conditions, I assure you that their morale would be low.'' Sgt. Jackman said those issues were beyond the control of the Commissioner.

He added that a service plan for the Millennium showed hope. A possible new shift system would also boost morale.

The question of sexual harassment had been addressed and equipment was being steadily upgraded. In addition, a career development programme would be implemented by February 2000, he added.