An independent team of policing experts is conducting a review of the Royal St Helena Police (RSHP) from Monday, September 16 to Friday, September 20, 2024. Led by the FCDO Policing Advisor, Andrew Munday, who has spent the past week on Ascension reviewing RSHP activities there, the FCDO-funded review aims to assess the progress made since the previous inspection in 2020.
The review will evaluate how the Royal St Helena Police is delivering performance, effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy as it discharges its responsibilities to protect the public on St Helena and Ascension. The independent assessment will also help increase public trust and confidence in the RSHP.
Key areas of focus include:
– Implementation of the Police and Crime Plan
– Progress against the RSHP Five-Year Development Plan
– Organisational structure and performance framework
– Policies and practices governing the use of force by police officers
– Detention and custody procedures
– Investigations, witness and victim care/support
– Neighbourhood and community policing, public engagement and communication
In addition to speaking with police officers and staff, the review team will meet with agencies and individuals who work with the police within the criminal justice system, including all members of the Police and Crime Panel.
The review team is also keen to seek community views. They will be available between 15:30 and 17:30 on Tuesday, September 17 at the Mantis Hotel to speak with anyone interested. Members of the community are invited to attend and share their experiences and perspectives. Alternatively, they can contact the inspection team at Police Headquarters by telephone on 22626.
The findings of this review will be presented to HE Governor Nigel Phillips in November 2024. These findings will inform an action plan aimed at further enhancing policing services on St Helena. Details of this plan will be released once finalized.
