Transfer of detectives has nothing to do with teacher’s case – CoP

Commissioner of Police Michael Charles says the recent transfer of two of the local constabulary’s most experienced detectives has nothing to do with the recent investigation of the case involving teacher Jozette Bibby-Bowens.

Effective yesterday, May 4, Assistant Superintendent of Police Sydney James, who headed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has been transferred to the Calliaqua Police Station{{more}} to head the CID department there. Inspector Trevor “Buju” Bailey, who headed the Major Crimes Unit (MCU), has been transferred to the Biabou Police Station, where he will be the highest ranking officer.

Superintendent Ruth Jacobs will now head the CID and Sergeant 23 Browne will be in charge of the MCU.

“This was a regular transfer. Other high ranking officers were transferred recently, but you never hear anything about that. This is just another transfer,” the commissioner pointed out, adding that it was in no way linked to the case involving Bibby-Bowens.

On April 16, Director of Public Prosecutions Colin Williams discontinued two charges of obscene publication against Bibby-Bowens for posts she was alleged to have made on Facebook, on February 17, 2015. Bibby-Bowens, who taught electronic document preparation management, principles of accounts and information technology at the Bishop’s College Kingstown, was arrested at school on March 2, 2015.

It has been speculated that James and Bailey were being transferred because of the manner in which they supervised the Bibby-Bowens matter.

“Transfers happen all the time. This is nothing new. I don’t really see what the fuss is about,” the commissioner further stated.

Charles told SEARCHLIGHT that Sergeant Avianne Smith, a female police officer attached to the MCU, was the lead investigator in the Bibby-Bowens matter.

Smith joined the ranks of the RSVGPF on December 30, 2011, at the rank of sergeant. She was one of the early beneficiaries of a policy of accelerated promotion for university graduates entering the constabulary.

Then Commissioner of Police Keith Miller said Smith would not go through the regular training process, but instead would be taught the basics by other senior police.

Since the Bibby-Bowens matter was discontinued, the teacher has been transferred to the Adult and Continuing Education Unit.(KW)