Recruitment for new SIO for ongoing historical abuse enquiry

RECRUITMENT FOR SENIOR INVESTIGATING OFFICER: HISTORIC ABUSE TEAM

RELEASED TO MEDIA AT WEDNESDAY 9 JULY 2008 AT 8.20 AM

The current Senior Investigating Officer in charge of Jersey’s historic abuse inquiry, Deputy Chief Officer Lenny Harper, is to retire in August. Considerable thought has been given to how he should be replaced in a way which continues to maintain the momentum and professionalism of the investigation and, which at the same time, retains the confidence of victims and the wider community.

During this process, the Force has been greatly assisted by a team of independent advisors appointed by A.C.P.O. (The Association of Chief Police Officers). It has been decided that the new Deputy Chief Officer, Mr David Warcup (currently Deputy Chief Constable of Northumbria) will assume overall responsibility for the inquiry when he takes up his new position in early August.

Mr Warcup will be responsible for the overall strategy, policy and standards of the investigation. Mr Warcup will be supported by a full-time Senior Investigating Officer who will be responsible for operations.

It is hoped that a suitable person with the relevant experience and qualifications will be appointed to this post soon.

Throughout this handover period and for the foreseeable future, Detective Inspector Alison Fossey of the States of Jersey Police will continue as Deputy Senior Investigating Officer and will be responsible for continuity and day-to-day management during the transition.

Chief Officer Graham Power of the States of Jersey Police said: “We have decided to advertise for a Senior Investigating Officer with the highest standards of qualifications and experience in major complex investigations. When appointed, he or she will operate under local command and produce files of evidence for consideration by the Jersey Law Officers. I hope that this proposed appointment will be seen as evidence of the islands continued determination to ensure that all of the allegations relating to historic abuse are investigated thoroughly, in a way which will be seen as determined and independent.”

The Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, Deputy Andrew Lewis, has been consulted throughout this process.