The inaugural meeting of the Police and Crime Panel is set for April 24, 2024, from 14:00 to 16:00 at the Education Learning Centre in Jamestown. The session will feature a report from the Chief of Police and a question and answer segment. A summary of the report will be accessible to the public a day prior via the SHG website.
Last year, reforms were introduced for the Royal St Helena Police (RSHP) aimed at improving transparency, performance, and community trust. These changes included establishing a new Police and Crime Panel to review police performance and complaints, along with an independent peer review process for serious complaints in collaboration with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
Efforts between Ascension Island Government (AIG) and RSHP have enhanced support for officers on Ascension Island, ensuring consistent service levels across both islands. Community trust in law enforcement remains a focal point of these reforms, with annual surveys planned to gauge public confidence.
The panel's role is to oversee police performance, encourage community engagement, and offer advice to align policing strategies with public needs on St Helena and Ascension. Residents are encouraged to participate in this initiative.
Panel members include Governor Nigel Phillips CBE as Chairperson, Administrator of Ascension Island Simon Minshull, Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs Jeffrey Ellick, Elected Member Gillian Brooks from the St Helena Legislative Council, Portfolio Director Alex Mitham for SSHA, Crown Prosecutor Simon Dykes, and CEO Catherine Turner from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Community input is welcomed as these reforms advance. For further details or inquiries, contact Chief of Police David Price by phone at (00290) 22626 or email david.price@sainthelena.gov.sh. The Police and Crime Plan can also be viewed online.
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