Falklands : Falklands - Formal Reprimand for Chief Police Officer
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 11.04.2009 (Article Archived on 25.04.2009)
A disciplinary enquiry in to the conduct of Superintendent Paul Elliott following the theft of cocaine from the Police station last year has ended.
FALKLANDS – FORMAL REPRIMAND FOR CHIEF POLICE OFFICER
By J. Brock (FINN)
A disciplinary enquiry in to the conduct of Superintendent Paul Elliott following the theft of cocaine from the Police station last year has ended.
The investigation looked into two allegations against Mr Elliott concerning his failure to effectively supervise the drugs and prison staff was found to be substantially proven by a disciplinary panel set up by FIG Chief Executive Tim Thorogood. However, the panel also found that there was significant mitigation which should reduce the penalty on Mr Elliott. The panel recognised that Mr Elliott had a clean and creditable track record and had done much to improve the quality of policing since he had been in command. In addition, the circumstances at the time in relation to accommodation and an inadequately diligent culture in the Police as a whole made it difficult for Mr Elliott to assure the security of the drugs and of prisoners.
The Chief Executive will formally reprimand Mr Elliott. Mr Thorogood will set out the high expectations of personal conduct and accountability which are now to be expected of all Police staff.
The Chief Executive said “I have had an extensive and very frank discussion with Mr Elliott who has re-assured me that he accepts his accountability for what happened and that he is able to tackle the problems in the service which helped bring about this major failing. In determining the penalty to be applied to Mr Elliott I was mindful of his excellent track record and conduct throughout the past very difficult few months. I am also mindful that I have been presented with evidence of significant failings within the service. These centre on a poor working culture which has developed over many years. There now needs to be a substantial turn-around to this to assure the community that they are well protected. I will shortly be coordinating a report to Executive Council which sets out the issues and a programme to bring about rapid improvement. We should remember however that the Police service as a whole has had a difficult few months following other difficulties in the recent past. There are many able and hard working staff who are able to deliver an excellent service, we need to work with these staff to help them do the job effectively.”
Superintendent Elliott said ' I fully accept the findings of the hearing and very much regret the fact that it was possible for the theft of drugs to have been committed whilst I have been in command of the police; and for the acute embarrassment this has caused the force and wider government. The investigation process has been extremely thorough, comprising four co-terminous, but separate investigations into the matter over the past four month period. In addition to highlighting the shortfalls in procedure and supervision which enabled the theft to take place, the investigations have also highlighted other areas which will now attract robust management intervention by me, in order to raise standards across the board, so as to provide the high quality policing service expected by the Island community'.
|
