From Turks & Caicos Weekly News

A thorough review of the actions and inactions of Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar will take place before his contract comes to an end next year.

The investigation is set to be a part of a larger probe into the entire police force headed by Governor Peter Beckingham, but further details have yet to be released.

Patrick Boyle from the Governor’s Office told the Weekly News on Wednesday (August 27): “The terms of reference for the review have not yet been defined and it is unlikely that this will be completed until around the end of September.

“The Governor will make a formal announcement on this at a later date.”

As he completes his second two year term in office the Commissioner and the Government have made what appears to be a mutual decision to not renew his contract.

According to Premier Rufus Ewing in an email last Thursday (August 21): “The Commissioner of Police came to the TCI with the gracious support of the Canadian Government to fill a void that was left by the former Commissioner and to improve the crime fighting capacity of the police force.

“The contract of the Commissioner of Police comes to a natural end and it is not the wish of the Government to have it renewed.”

He added that the successes and failure of the outgoing Commissioner of Police will be objectively assessed during a review of the police force which he asked Governor Peter Beckingham to conduct.

Throughout his two term stint, fingers have been pointed at the head of the force as crime rates hit new highs and arrests fail to be made following several high profile incidents.

Huge departmental investments, an increased police presence and more active community involvement have done little to curb a torrent of criticism.

Ewing went on to express his hopes for the new Commissioner of Police who will take over the role in March 2015.

“It is my goal to see a new Commissioner of Police who will bring most of all unity, leadership and commitment within the police force and increase further the crime fighting capacity within the force in partnership with the communities in which we live.”

Last week Police Commissioner Colin Farquhar told the Weekly News that he will not be applying for a renewal and will be retiring from law enforcement.

The experienced Canadian police chief said that he plans to conclude his four years with the TCI force when his contract expires on March 31, 2015.

“I have completed almost 35 years of police service,” he wrote, “I believe that it is timely that I enjoy my retirement and spend time with my family.”

The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Officer (FCO) is currently advertising internationally for a “highly motivated and experienced” senior officer to fill the role.

“The successful candidate will lead delivery of the RTCIPF vision to make the Turks and Caicos Islands a safe and secure country in which to visit, invest, work and live,” the advert reads.

Applicants must have a significant track record of leadership and strategic management including at least 25 years policing experience with at least 10 years at senior management level.

The successful candidate can expect to be raking in $125,000 a year plus allowances and will begin on March 1, 2015.

According to the ad the appointee will be responsible for serving all of the inhabited islands in the TC

The new Commissioner will head a force of more than 260 police officers, special constables, district constables and civilian support staff and handle an annual budget of $20 million.

Colin Farquhar was appointed as the Commissioner of Police of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police on March 11, 2011.

He has over 31 years of policing and leadership experience in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the United Nations, focusing on the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies associated to community safety, international peace and security. (RB)

For more on this story go to: http://tcweeklynews.com/top-story-police-force-under-scrutiny-p5378-149.htm

IMAGE: accpolice.org