QUEBEC CITY - Nine Quebec City police officers have been suspended for the improper use of the Internet at work.

In a statement released Thursday, the city said it suspended the officers following an investigation dating back to 2007 that found they'd viewed and shared material deemed offensive and in bad taste.

The nine police officers received suspensions ranging from three to 30 days without pay. The investigation also targeted five other officers, who were not disciplined.

The Quebec City Police Brotherhood said the investigation took too long.

The probe came after the 2005 adoption by Quebec City of a policy regarding the use of information and telecommunication technology by municipal employees.

The investigation also saw 15 employees in various other city departments receive some form of punishment.