Former CoP to be sworn in as Senior Magistrate today

Former Commissioner of Police (CoP) Collin John, expected to be sworn in today as Senior Magistrate, says he is more than qualified for the position.

“I look forward and I am in anticipation…,” the 35-year veteran of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF)said of his mindset as he makes his next career move.

He said he is qualified to hold the position and would dispense justice in the best possible manner, in conformity with the legal principles while considering the law and the facts of each case.

“Persons would have their reservations, but the least of it should be the fact that I was Commissioner.

“That fact ought not to prevent me from holding a position of this nature, because I know that I can be impartial and I know I have the level of maturity to dispense justice without fear and favour,” John told SEARCHLIGHT.

The former CoP, who retired on September 28, 2023 after he was granted early retirement, said he fully understands the concerns of persons, but he also knows that he will do his best for justice in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

John, 55 is the holder of a LLB honours degree and was called to the Bar of England and Wales on July 22, 2010 and the OECS Bar on October 4, 2010.

“I look forward to the co-operation of the members of the court and I will respect everybody and I look forward to getting the same respect also.”

He said people who are using the term “police magistrate”, a description given to members of the magistracy who may be accused of being on the side of the prosecution, should not even entertain that thought.

“I would judge based on facts and law. Not because I was a police I would side with the police. They will always have to prove, an officer would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, that an offence has been committed,” John offered.

Known as an outgoing person who likes to socialize, John told SEARCHLIGHT he knows because of his new post, certain aspects of his social life will have to be curtailed.

“The nature of the job would entail that I reduce, to some extent, the level of socialisation, but I would not be a prisoner in my own home and not interact with people.”