From Dick Shenton.
YOUR front page article (JEP, 11 January) on questions of conspiracy in the long-running saga of the Chief of Police’s suspension needs comment.

Personally I am sick and tired of the way that much-needed public money is being squandered in this case.

In an article published by your paper a year or two ago I questioned the way that the Island was being policed. I said that if I was a States Member I would bring a vote of no confidence in the Home Affairs Minister at the time and in a letter set out the attitude of the then Chief and Deputy Chief officers.

Since that time we have witnessed reports, totally unfounded, that told the world what a horrible place Jersey, our Island, was. There will always be people prepared to believe the worst but in this case they were being helped by police officers who should have known better.

The truth of the matter, as I found out in representing a private individual, was a force who exceeded authority and used threats and bluster to silence justice. I was warned by advisers that my phone could be tapped and when I reported this to the then Home Affairs Minister, Senator Wendy Kinnard, she did nothing.

Needless to say I continued with my efforts on the part of the individual but I could not believe that the police force that my father had served in had descended to such depths. The Police Complaints Authority was a joke who could not help the constituent or myself.

I would love to give evidence on oath of my experience with the Power/Harper police force and perhaps the barrack room lawyers among the States Members will listen to the truth.

What happened to old-fashioned responsibility for the failure of a company and its staff, when the chief would resign and fall on his sword?

To Senator Terry Le Sueur and Deputy Andrew Lewis I would offer my support because they are the innocent victims of the failure of the Chief Minister and the Home Affairs Minister to act when they knew the facts.

With regard to any extra money or cost, I would put it towards extending the winter fuel allowance to all pensioners, rather than waste it on our overpaid officers.