AN INTERNAL police disciplinary investigation has started into a case which led a Deemster to accuse the Constabulary of “multiple serious failures” and “a complete dereliction of duty”.
Minister for Home Affairs Adrian Earnshaw confirmed yesterday that the investigation is being conducted into the way the police handled the case which led to the comments by Deemster Andrew Moran QC.
The defendant in the case was eventually discharged because of the way the police investigation was handled. Deemster Moran said at the time, “There were multiple serious failures such as can only be described in the circumstances as almost a complete dereliction of duty.”
Mr Earnshaw said, “In general terms, there are two options available to the Chief Constable: either to carry out a review to identify individual and organisational learning, or to conduct a disciplinary investigation, whereby the conduct of individual officers is subject to scrutiny and, ultimately, to potential sanction.
“Although it is entirely a matter for the Chief Constable, the decision to conduct a disciplinary investigation better guarantees that Honourable Members and the public are satisfied that this matter is being addressed in an appropriately robust way.”
He added, “In the circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to offer further comment for fear of prejudicing the investigation.”
In reply to a question from Peter Karran MHK, Mr Earnshaw confirmed that the defendant in the case is related to a serving police officer.
Responding to a further question from Michael MHK David Cannan, Mr Earnshaw said, “I am concerned at the reported comments made by Deemster Moran QC, however, I can advise that the Chief Constable has commissioned a disciplinary investigation into the case and it would be inappropriate of me to offer substantive comment as this may prejudice his investigation.
I would respectfully suggest to Honourable Members we should be careful not to rush to make judgement based on one case. The Constabulary of 2011 is a strongly performing organisation and its ability to deal well with serious crime was highlighted last year when it successfully concluded its most complex ever homicide investigation, obtaining a conviction and widespread praise after the Demesne Road murder trial.
“Additionally, it undertakes many hundreds of prosecutions each year without attracting any negative comment. I am however well aware the Chief Constable is determined that the Constabulary should never be complacent and I am confident he is taking all necessary steps to ensure that public confidence in the Constabulary remains high.”
