Warnings had nothing to do with reassignment of senior officers

The warnings given to Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) at a recent meeting had nothing to do with the new assignments given to two senior police officers, says police chief, Keith Miller.{{more}}

Commissioner Miller refuted the information reaching SEARCHLIGHT, which was carried in a page one story entitled “Brass Tacks” in last week’s (September 14, 2007) issue, in which Miller was said to have hinted at a shake up in the police force.

Miller denies suggesting that an exodus of officers, which would be like a breath of fresh air to the Force, would happen.

According to Miller, he addressed the NCOs “broadly” on their responsibilities, and the importance of them properly supervising the men in their care.

He said that he warned them that if they failed to fulfill their responsibilities then the younger men under their care would rise up, and end up supervising them.

“I told the men who are failing to supervise the men, the young ambitious men, I’m going to make them ready, and if possible, they are going to supervise the men who are supervising them now,” Miller said.

He also said “I am telling the young people (police officers) to be prepared, which is an encouragement for them, and a shake-up call…for the people who should be supervising them, but are sleeping.”

Referring to the statements attributed to him in the article as a misrepresentation, Miller said that at a coming meeting, he plans to address the importance of loyalty.

“We need people loyal to the organization,” said Miller, adding that if the identity of the person(s) that spoke to SEARCHLIGHT is(are) known, they could face disciplinary actions for breaching the police force’s media policy.

Commenting on the changes that raised eyebrows, Miller said that the moves were in fact strategic.

He said that the decision to assign Superintendent Ellsworth Hackshaw to the Ministry of Education is a move that shows concern for the school population, and the problems of violence that have begun to plague the school system.

Hackshaw is responsible for determining the security status at all schools, then presenting written recommendations, and developing a security plan.

Miller also commented on the assignment of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ronald Christopher to the Ministry of National Security, in an advisory capacity, saying that his assignment is one of high priority.

Christopher will be advising on the security of ministerial offices and buildings, air and sea ports.

He also announced that Coast Guard Commander Tyrone James was seconded to the Regional Security System (RSS) in Barbados for a period of two years to serve as the Director of Operations and Training.