Tuesday 30 March 2010

Timing of Jersey police chief appointment questioned

David Warcup joined the Jersey force in August 2008 A Jersey politician has criticised the timing of the proposed appointment of a new permanent chief police officer.

Deputy Roy Le Herissier chairs a panel which will question the home affairs minister about plans to give the job to the acting police chief.

Senator Ian Le Marquand has called for David Warcup to get the job from July.

But Deputy Le Herissier has questioned appointing a new police chief when a dispute over the suspension of the previous chief officer is unresolved.

Mr Warcup has been doing the role in an "acting" capacity following the suspension of Graham Power in 2008 over the alleged handling of the inquiry into historic child abuse at the Haut de la Garenne care home.


It just seems very unfortunate and insensitive timing
Deputy Roy Le Herissier

Mr Power has since announced his retirement form the force.

He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and the exact reasons and procedures behind his suspension are still being investigated.

Deputy Le Herissier told BBC Jersey: "We're very surprised that the minister is trying to bring this appointment forward before all the issues around Mr Power have been resolved.

"Mr Power has been kept waiting an incredible time for his personal future to be determined in a very public way.

Debate due

"It just seems incredibly odd that cutting across this should be the appointment proposal for his successor. It just seems very unfortunate and insensitive timing."

The Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel is to question Senator Le Marquand later on Tuesday at a public hearing.

A recommendation will then be circulated to other politicians.

"What we hope to do is pull together some notes and simply send them in a statement to The States," said Deputy Le Herissier.

"We'll hammer out some comments and get them out within a few days."

Senator Le Marquand's proposal is due to be debated in The States on 20 April.

Timing of Jersey police chief appointment questioned