Police Commissioner defends controversial decision by predecessor

Recently appointed Commissioner of Police, Michael Charles has defended the decision of his predecessor, Keith Miller to reinstate three police officers with criminal records.{{more}}

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday at the Police conference room, Charles said he would have done exactly what Miller did when he reinstated the police officers who were convicted of assault on February 2, 2010.

“If I was the commissioner of Police I would have done exactly what Mr Miller did. That’s the power of the commissioner…,” Charles boldly stated.

According to Charles, if he was in that position at the time, he would have reinstated the men because they are hardworking – the same sentiments Miller shared with SEARCHLIGHT on May 3, 2011, when asked what informed his decision to reinstate the convicted officers.

“They erred on that instance. In his (Miller’s) view, putting them out of the police force was too harsh of a punishment for their offence.”

Corporal Kasanki Quow along with Constables Hadley Ballantyne and Osrick James returned to active duty on April 20 2011, after being convicted on charges of assault and causing actual bodily harm to Jemark Jackson who was 15 at the time.

The men were reinstated under Cap 280, Section 25, of the Police Act.

On November 18, 2008, Jackson was arrested and taken to the General Office of CID. In Court, Jackson testified that two officers held his feet and hands, while another beat him with a hose. Jack also said he was kicked about his body and slammed three times on the floor before being hospitalised, causing him to be in a coma for a week.

Miller at the time stated that with such a job, mistakes are likely to be made.

Just recently, four police officers resumed duties following suspension on matters relating to rape and theft, while Miller was at the helm.

Charles pointed out, that contrary to reports, the police officers were suspended and not dismissed.

One officer was charged with rape and the matter was dismissed. He was at the time receiving half-month’s pay for two years while serving his suspension.

Two other officers who were taken before the courts for alleged involvement in theft of money from the station’s office, had their matter dismissed and were also permitted to resume their duties.

Charles also stated that another officer, PC St John, was suspended for three months and later discharged, but that decision was overturned.

“The commissioners sat and we thought that the punishment was too harsh for the offence, so we reconsidered and he is back in the police force,” Charles said. However, he did not speak on the circumstances of St John’s breach.

“In discussion with the commissioners and advice from the Attorney General, they are back into the police force,” Charles added.

Asked what will he do to try to reduce members of the constabulary running afoul of the law, Charles replied, “If a policeman commits himself, the matter will be properly investigated and dealt with — whether it is internally or taken before the Court…”

He sternly stated that the police force will not be tolerating any misconduct from police officers

Charles also indicated that there are “a lot” of other police officers who are awaiting outcome of matters pending either before the court or internally.

The top cop agreed that while he will deal with officers in a strict manner, he will also be fair to them.