PCC sorry over upset caused by police chief appointment
AN apology has been given by Martin Surl to his scrutiny panel for not telling members that Gloucestershire's new police chief was his top choice for the role.
But the county police and crime commissioner stopped short of saying sorry for not informing the group that Suzette Davenport was being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
Mr Surl said he regretted upsetting members of the group who were asked to ratify the decision made by another panel who chose Ms Davenport for the role.
The scrutiny panel were angry that Mr Surl's preferred candidate for the role was circulated in the media before they were told of the decision.
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Serious concerns were also raised by the police and crime panel over the IPCC investigation, relating to allegations of misconduct in her former job.
Speaking on the BBC, Mr Surl acknowledged the panel's stance, but added he found it "quite hard to agree".
Mr Surl said he was aware of the investigation into Ms Davenport as were those involved in the interview process, but it was not discussed during the interview.
He said: "I had an assurance from Ms Davenport that she would be acquitted of this, so I'm not quite sure what their problem is.
"At some point, someone has got to make a decision, and I've made that decision that she is the best candidate for Gloucestershire. I carried out a very fair process and a very open process."
Ms Davenport, 49, will become the first-ever female boss of the force when she takes up the role on February 1.
It was down to Mr Surl, as police and crime commissioner, to select the new chief constable – but the decision then had to be ratified by the police and crime panel.
The scrutiny panel's chairman, Brian Calway, voiced disappointment he had heard about Ms Davenport's selection on the radio.
Mr Surl added: "I understand they are upset by that.
"The first people we told were the officers and staff of the constabulary.
"We then did a press release and we did try to contact members of the police and crime panel unsuccessfully.
"If they are a little upset by that I'm happy to apologise.
"There are many people who think I should have told the public first, because they are the people who elected me, and they are the people who the chief constable will serve.
"But if it's a big deal I'll apologise and we move forward."
Comments
by AntiWinsor
Saturday, January 19 2013, 12:19PM
“Does anyone know why Brian Calway voiced disappointment that he had heard about Suzette Davenport's selection on the radio? A BBC political commentator has reported the suggestion that it was because councillors have egos that need to be massaged. Other than that does anyone know what the alleged problem is? Brian and the panel had the right to reject the selected candidate. All they had to do was explain the details of their objection to the public. This is after all the improved publicly accountable system.
The results of the IPCC investigation will become known in due course. Without detailed information speculating before the results are available is a good way to kill time if you're bored with your life.
I agree with ShireMe. "...lazy political shenanigans and sad attempts to smear PCCs..." are rife countrywide. The public will suffer through these shenanigans. It's our duty to counteract them and hold those responsible accountable for the detrimental effects to our safety.”
by ShireMe
Wednesday, January 16 2013, 10:37PM
“For all those who voted in the PCC elections, reap what you sow... Whoever the candidate is the position will be politicised by virtue of its very nature, and you will have to put up with the lazy political shenanigans and sad attempts to smear PCCs (as has been happening to Independents nationally since the election). I will be amazed if any PCCs actually manage to get a days work done after the politiking is done.”
by IsitJimKerr
Wednesday, January 16 2013, 2:43PM
“This is a complete shambles....................”
by chicks
Wednesday, January 16 2013, 1:26PM
“She should never have been appointed whilst this investigation is ongoing. How can the force and people of Gloucestershire have any faith in the decisions/judgements of this lady?
Brian Calway is right to raise his concerns .
How can Martin Surl as an ex police officer sleep at night knowing this lady is involved in a serious criminal investigation with 13 other officers over a murder case?
No officer involved in in an investigation like this should be allowed to be in a position to make any sort of decisions until cleared and should be removed from the evidential chain.
Someone's head should roll for this.”
by chicks
Wednesday, January 16 2013, 1:23PM
“She should never have been appointed whilst this investigation is ongoing. How can the force and people of Gloucestershire have any faith in the decisions/judgements of this lady?
Brian Calway is right to raise his concerns .
How can Martin Surl as an ex police officer sleep at night knowing this lady is involved in a serious criminal investigation with 13 other officers over a murder case?
No officer involved in in an investigation like this should be allowed to be in a position to make any sort of decisions until cleared and should be removed from the evidential chain.
Someone's head should roll for this.”
by Ysedra
Wednesday, January 16 2013, 9:00AM
“Sorry, but what did Martin Surl expect her to say, while seeking the Chief Constable's job, that she's pretty sure she's going to get the book thrown at her?
If she's not directly implicated in the criminal behaviour, it happened on her watch, and she wouldn't be one of the people under investigation if she had done everything in her power to bring it to light. As it stands, 'duck and cover' seems to be standard operating procedure with most police forces, and some of us thought Martin Surl might want to change that, not re-affirm it with an appointment like this.”
by agent006
Wednesday, January 16 2013, 7:17AM
“What if she isn't acquitted?”