A war of words has erupted about who's to blame. But the fact remains West Vancouver taxpayers are on the hook for thousands of dollars. The money is going to police officers who aren't on the job.

Everyone from the mayor to the minister is involved in the finger pointing.

Staff Sgt. Doug Bruce and Insp. Bob Fontaine continue to collect their $100,000-a-year salary -- even though they haven't been on duty at the West Vancouver police department for a year and a half.

Both took sick leave following allegations that they botched an internal investigation. Both say they left because of stress.

"I think it reflects poorly on the West Vancouver police department,'' said West Vancouver Police Department Chief Kash Heed.

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He says the officers have refused to attend a disciplinary hearing and it's costing taxpayers and harming the department's reputation.

"I'm going to deliver what I have promised here in West Vancouver, and that is an accountable and professional police service, one that is transparent and delivers a reputable police service,'' Heed said.

Meanwhile, questions are being raised about the officers, about who is responsible, and about who is going to end this situation.

"Well I'm hoping they do get to a hearing if they want their matter heard,'' said Heed.

The West Vancouver Police Chief says there is nothing in the Police Act that forces these officers to a hearing. He says the act needs to be changed.

But the minister in charge of policing in British Columbia disputes that.

"I am concerned about it but I don't believe it's a deficiency in the act it's simply the players involved need to follow through the process right through to the end,'' said B.C. Solicitor General John Van Dongen.

In fact, Van Dongen points the finger at Port Moody Police Chief Brad Parker.

Parker is the discipline authority in this case, and the minister suggests he hasn't done enough to get the officers to a hearing.

While the Police Act states that the officers should attend, there seems to be no consequences for not showing up.

And while the accountability debate rages on, it is costing tax payers hundreds of thousand of dollars in salaries.

With a report by CTV British Columbia's Lisa Rossington