May 21 - Governor And Chief Minister Issue Joint Statement On RGP Selection Weekend Allegations
The following joint statement has just been issued to the press by the Governor and the Chief Minister:
“Following a selection weekend held at the end of last year to select future RGP officers, one of the candidates alleged that there had been both physical and mental treatment that was inappropriate. The Chief Minister and the Governor took these allegations very seriously. As a result, the Chief Minister (with the full support of the Governor) asked the GPA to conduct a full investigation. The investigation included a telephone questionnaire of all the candidates who had attended the weekend carried out by the GPA with independent invigilation and statements being taken from all the directing staff.
“All bar one of the other candidates had no complaints; indeed many praised the process and the whole weekend. Nevertheless even that just one candidate (who had long UK police experience) might have been left with feeling that the procedures were wrong was a cause for concern and the RGP has learned a number lessons from her complaints, which have already been fully incorporated into the procedures.
“At the same time there had been some more generalised allegations about police internal procedures that have been characterised as ‘bullying’. Again the GPA and the RGP (supported by the Governor and the Chief Minister) took these very seriously and investigations have taken place, supported by some eminent local citizens, which have led to some internal procedural changes. Additionally the regular inspection by the HMIC team due to take place in the autumn will specifically examine these issues to provide an independent opinion and suggest any changes based on wider UK best practice.
“Consequently the Governor and the Chief Minister are content that ongoing processes are addressing any issues and have full confidence in both the GPA and the RGP.”
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