Governor denies ‘power grab’ allegations

Governor Daniel Pruce has rejected suggestions that the recent law enforcement review signals a “power grab” by the United Kingdom.

The governor faced questions from reporters following criticism by members of the House of Assembly, who claimed that the second volume of the Law Enforcement Review, published last month, granted the governor sweeping powers. Some members called the report a move to seize authority.

But Pruce said the report was not authored by him or the Governor’s Office, but by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

“This is a report conducted by an independent body… HMICFRS is not me. It doesn’t produce reports on my behalf,” he stated.

The report contains 375 recommendations, some suggesting structural reforms to local policing and security. Pruce said the report should be treated as a starting point for discussions.

“We are now… starting a process where, working together collaboratively across all partners, we set about assessing those recommendations and developing an approach,” he explained.

He stressed that implementing reforms effectively requires local ownership and joint action.