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5.6 Deputy T.M. Pitman of the Minister for Home Affairs regarding conspiracy allegations associated with the suspension of the Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police:
Following analysis of the sworn affidavit of the suspended Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police, will the Minister advise the Assembly whether he has fully investigated every possible allegation of a conspiracy existing to remove the Chief Officer from office? Further still, is the Minister wholly satisfied that no such conspiracy to remove the Chief Officer or to try to discredit him to justify his removal existed?
Senator B.I. Le Marquand (The Minister for Home Affairs):
My answer to the first part is no; that is not part of my role. The relevant issues raised were, in my view, apparently in relation to another department. I would wish to point
out that an investigation in this area is currently being conducted by a commissioner appointed by the Chief Minister and I am fully content that he be allowed to reach his conclusions. I do not think it is correct that I should start making statements in that area. Finally, although I do not think this was part of the question, for the avoidance of doubt I want to affirm that my disciplinarian decisions have always been made strictly upon disciplinary grounds in relation to disciplinary matters.
- Deputy T.M. Pitman:
I thank the Minister for his answer and I will re-pitch it accordingly perhaps. But could he just advise the States whether he has spoken to the States Member mentioned at point 18 in Mr. Power's affidavit, the States Member who has confided in a number of people, including myself, that he heard a conversation revolving around the possibility of leaving the Deputy Police Chief Officer in place as he was nearing his retirement but removing the Chief Officer to replace him with someone who would keep the police under control. This conversation allegedly took place between the former Chief Minister and the Minister for Home Affairs of the day.
Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
I am aware that a States Member overheard something but not the details of what they overheard.
- Deputy T.M. Pitman:
Could I suggest that it is a very important something to overhear and if we are talking integrity, honesty and justice then surely that should be considered by both the Minister for Home Affairs and the gentleman now charged with investigating this matter?
Senator B.I. Le Marquand:
It is difficult for me to express a view without knowing exactly what was overheard. I
know the general area but I do not know precisely what was overhead. Unless that particular Member wishes to say more to me about it, I really cannot comment on it.