Senior officers in police shake-up

A shake up in the police force was forecast by Commissioner of Police Keith Miller just over a week ago, and now in the wake of several changes that have taken place among the top brass, some are wondering, are they routine, or part of the shake up?{{more}}

Speaking to a gathering of the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) last week Thursday, Commissioner Miller is said to have hinted that an exodus of officers, which would be like “a breath of fresh air”, was about to take place.

Searchlight understands that the Commissioner indicated that rapid transformation was on its way, and even asked several of his men if they were “on board”.

And on Monday, September 3, at the opening of the new police station at Sandy Bay, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves called on police officers to work together and support the leadership.

“If you are almost ready to retire, and you are going to retire before the Commissioner is ready to retire, it doesn’t make sense you fighting, because you can’t become Commissioner,” Dr Gonsalves told police officers.

This Wednesday, September 12, instead of turning up for his former post as head of the Western Division, Superintendent Ellsworth Hackshaw, reported for duty at the Ministry of Education in civilian clothing. He has been assigned to examine the security level at schools, and develop a security plan.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ronald Christopher also has a new assignment, beginning Monday, September 10. He is now advising the Ministry of National Security on the security of all ministerial offices and buildings. He will also advise on air and sea port security.

Other notable changes taking effect in the police force include the transfer of ACP Ekron Lockhart from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to Operations. ACP Lenroy Brewster has been appointed in his stead.

Superintendent Michael Charles, who headed the Drug Squad, has assumed the leadership of the Special Services Unit (SSU), while acting Assistant Superintendent of Police Elvis Browne, will head both the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) and the Drug Squad.

One senior police source said that while the several changes that have been made, and are to be made, may very well be routine, other changes have raised eyebrows.