BASSETERRE – Former Assistant Commissioner with Responsibility for Crime, Ian Queeley, is the Federation’s new Commissioner of Police.
In a radio and television national address on February 9, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Timothy Harris, announced the appointment of a new Police High Command, with Queeley as the top cop.
“He has overall accountability for all Policing matters. The buck stops with him and he must hold all subordinates accountable for performance,” Prime Minister Harris said.
Dr Harris said Queeley has over 30 years as a police officer, half of which he has served at strategic management and executive levels.
“He has had a well-rounded career having spent 13 years working in the drug squad. He has also spent three years on secondment to the Central Liaison Office of the Regional Security System (RSS) as a Permanent Instructor where he had special responsibilities for Physical Training, Weapon Training and Internal Security,” the prime minister said, adding that “he has two degrees and professional training from the best policing institutions”.
The Strategic Plan 2016 to 2019 of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force will be organised under four directorates led by the High Command of the Police.
Former Commander of the Nevis Division, Superintendent Hilroy Brandy has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police and has responsibility for the Service Improvement Directorate.
Brandy brings to the table 35 years of police service and specialist experience in Crime Scene Investigation and Management, and investigative practice in Financial and Anti-money laundering matters.
Former Superintendent of Police Terrance James is now Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) with responsibility for the Operations Directorate. ACP James has been with the police service for 29 years.
Superintendent of Police, Andre Mitchell has been appointed as Assistant Commissioner of Police and has responsibility for the Crime Directorate. Mitchell has 25 years in the Police service and brings experience of working in the Violent Crimes Unit.
Superintendent of Police, Merclyn Hughes, has been appointed as Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for the Administration, Resources, Technology and Intelligence Directorate.
Hughes, the lone female in the High Command, has 37 years of policing experience with a special focus on leading in strategic intelligence.
The Minister of National Security encouraged the new Police High Command to lead, inspire, and motivate, while asking them to be innovative.
“You must be tireless in ensuring that words, policies and strategies are converted into crime reduction. It is your responsibility for making our communities safer for citizens, residents, businesses and tourists. We the members of the public will work with you.
“You must work with communities. You must work, inside communities, for communities and alongside communities. You are community members as well as their Servants and, as such, you are their hope for a safer and more secure life in the future.
“What our Nation needs above all else from our Police Force is that long awaited, sustainable and tangible change of professional, lawful and positive action as you serve the public,” Prime Minister Harris said.
The High Command of the Police will be placed on a12-month probation. (SKNIS)
