Suspensions with pay

Why are people being suspended with pay as a punishment? Isnt’ that really a vacation from work? And why can’t I ever get an indefinite suspension with pay?  Who would rather be at work if they can stay at home and make the same money?  I often hear of policemen who broke the law and as punishment, they were given a suspension with pay.  That must hurt the poor guys. lol.  Notice how this practice is usually related to those already making big bucks?  Now that’s a reason to occupy wall street.