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| NEWS > 21 November 2007 |
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Urban general
When it comes to measuring the power of the police over the public, it’s worth stealing a line from Vancouver’s Chief Constable Jamie Graham: “If I was to tell you…what I know,” Graham told a CKNW radio audience last year, “I tell you there would be some sleepless nights.”
Graham wasn’t talking about the behaviour of his troops, either in his current post with the Vancouver police or in his previous jobs as the commanding officer of the Surrey (2000-2002) or the North Vancouver RCMP (1992-2000).
He was discussing what intelligence reports were saying about Vancouver’s app... Read more
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ic Wales - United Kingdom
21 November 2007
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Dyfed-Powys Police, UK
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Chief criticised over early re
FORMER Dyfed-Powys Chief Constable Terry Grange was under fire last night for opting to retire before the completion of an investigation into allegations made against him of financial irregularities.
It emerged that because of his length of service as a police officer, the police authority would have been powerless to prevent his retirement, announced on Monday.
As a result, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will not now be investigating allegations that Mr Grange misused the police computer system, although it will continue to investigate allegations of financial misconduct.
Some politicians are unhappy that the ex-chief constable will not be in post while an IPCC investigation that could potentially result in criminal charges is under way.
Llanelli’s Plaid Cymru AM Helen Mary Jones said, “I don’t think he should have been allowed to retire at this time. While a senior public figure is under investigation they should be made to stay in place until that investigation is completed.
“This really isn’t good enough and I have written to the police authority to ask for an explanation. At the moment it doesn’t seem transparent and it doesn’t seem fair.”
Mid and West Wales Labour AM Alun Davies wrote to the police authority stating, “It is my understanding that no serving police officer may take retirement whilst an investigation is taking place into their conduct. Please confirm your understanding of this situation.
“In addition it is being reported in the media that Terry Grange’s retirement will now prevent the IPCC fully investigating all of the allegations that he is facing. I believe it is important that the authority fully supports the investigation and does nothing that may prevent or hamper the officers conducting the investigation or takes any decisions that may pre-judge or preclude further investigation.”
But it was confirmed that under police regulations, Mr Grange had an absolute right to opt for retirement because of his 36 years of service.
Peter Dickinson, secretary of the Dyfed-Powys branch of the Police Federation, said, “There is confusion over the difference between resignation and retirement. Any police officer with 30 years’ service has an absolute right to retire. The same applies to an officer with 25 years service if they are aged over 50.
“If they don’t have that level of service, retirement is at the discretion of the chief constable; or for the chief constable, the police authority.
“Resignation is a different matter. If someone is facing misconduct charges, it is likely that their resignation will not be accepted.”
A spokesman for the IPCC confirmed that because of Mr Grange’s retirement, the allegation that he had misused the police computer system would not now be investigated.
He added, “The allegation relating to financial irregularities will be investigated, and there is a possibility that it could result in criminal charges. At this stage it is too early to say whether the full investigation report will be published. Once the investigation is complete, a decision will be taken on whether it should be forwarded to the Crown Prosecution Service. If that happens, it would then be up to the CPS to decide whether charges should be brought.”
No details of the allegations made against Mr Grange have been released. His modest bungalow in the small village of Meinciau, near Kidwelly, had no signs of life yesterday, with neighbours saying they rarely saw him.
At his larger detached home at Bradley Stokes, just off the M5 near Bristol, Mr Grange’s wife said he was not there, adding that neither she nor her husband would be commenting while an IPCC investigation was under way.
Meanwhile the new acting head of Dyfed-Powys Police spoke of his shock at the sudden departure of Mr Grange.
In a brief press conference at the force headquarters, Acting Chief Constable Andy Edwards said, “Obviously, yesterday came as a shock to the force. There is understandably a degree of shock with regard to the suddenness of what happened yesterday.”
Mr Edwards refused to be drawn on specific details relating to Mr Grange’s retirement, but he praised his former boss.
“I worked with Mr Grange for seven years and it is true to say he was a one-off,” said Mr Edwards. “He was more of a maverick.
“He has expressed some robust views over the years and many members of the public have agreed with his views. But he will be sadly missed as a breath of fresh air and as somebody who actually achieved things.”
He added that he had received many messages of support for himself and his senior management team at the force.
He also spoke out to affirm to the wider community that the force would continue as normal despite the departure of Mr Grange.
Several publications reported yesterday that the allegations against Mr Grange stem from complaints surrounding emails he had sent using a police computer.
It was also reported that the IPCC investigation is looking at his expenses claims for mileage done at work.
But praise and tributes to his ability continued to come in.
Home Office Minister Tony McNulty, speaking at a conference in Cardiff, said Mr Grange had “made a significant contribution to policing in Wales”.
He added, “I think Terry has made his own views very clear. I would simply say that whatever the outcome of the IPCC report and whatever Terry has decided to do over his future, he has made a significant contribution to policing in Wales and for that he is to be congratulated.”
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