News
December 2011 – Appointment of Commisioner of Police
Supt Edward L. Yome has been appointed Commissioner of Police in succession to Commissioner Louis Wink, and will take up his new appointment in April 2012 when Commissioner Wink retires.
The appointment has been made by the Governor, who acts on the advice of the Gibraltar Police Authority, which is the new procedure set out in the Police Act 2006. The Police Authority carried out an independent, thorough and wide-ranging selection procedure in which, amongst other things, the candidates were asked to submit evidence that they possess the technical and professional competences required of a Commissioner of Police; they were asked to deliver a presentation to the Authority on their vision for the RGP for the next five years and the priorities for policing that each would set; and they were interviewed and quizzed in detail by the Authority on many aspects including in particular community engagement, enforcement, the forging and nurturing of partnerships, focusing of manpower resources, and IT and human resources management.
The Authority also took into account all the information on the candidates at its disposal. This included the assessment of the candidates by Commissioner Wink and the assessment of the UK National Policing Improvement Agency following the candidates' completion of the police Strategic Command Course.
"This is the first time that the selection of a Commissioner of Police has been made in this way, following a selection procedure devised and implemented by a board of persons appointed under the Police Act," commented Richard Garcia, Chairman of the Police Authority. "The members of the Authority gave generously of their time to carry out the necessary wide-ranging assessment and comprehensive analysis of the candidates. The Authority considered that the candidates were of a high calibre, and wishes to thank them all for the thoroughness with which they prepared for the selection process and for their detailed applications, their presentations and performance at interview."
Following the advice of the Authority, Supt Yome's warrant of appointment as Commissioner of Police will be for 5 years.
His Excellency the Governor has informed the Authority that he will hand Supt Yome his warrant of appointment in person.
December 2011 – Selection of a new commissioner of police to succeed commissioner Wink
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Louis Wink CPM Dip Crim (Cambs), retires in April 2012. Under the new Constitution and the Police Act 2006, it is the responsibility of the Gibraltar Police Authority to advise the Governor on the appointment of a new Commissioner.
The selection process for the new Commissioner has already begun. Applications were invited by the Authority from officers in the RGP who have successfully completed a Strategic Command Course. This course is normally undertaken by Police Superintendents in the RGP.
Candidates have been asked to demonstrate to the Authority that they possess the core competences of a Commissioner of Police. In addition they have been required to submit a paper setting out their vision for the RGP for the next 5 years in the light of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the RGP; their assessment of the main issues affecting the RGP and an action plan to address them; and to indicate how the applicant intends to interact with the Authority in taking forward the RGP.
In addition, the Authority will have before it the assessment of each of the candidates by the UK National Policing Improvement Agency following the completion of the Strategic Command Course and the assessment of the Commissioner of Police.
Each of the candidates will make a presentation to the Authority on the changes that the candidate would wish to see in the RGP going forward and the priorities that would be set on taking up the appointment, if successful. Finally, each candidate will be interviewed in depth by the Authority.
The Authority's advice will then be tendered to the Governor, who may disregard that advice only where he judges that it would prejudice Her Majesty's service.
"This is the first time that the selection procedure for the appointment of a Commissioner of Police will be conducted by the Police Authority", said Chairman Richard Garcia. "It marks a further step in our development and demonstrates our maturity as a community. The Authority is independent and is indeed charged with ensuring the independence of policing in Gibraltar. The selection process is wide-ranging and rigorous so that the appropriate advice for the appointment of a new Commissioner can be tendered to the Governor."
An announcement regarding the new Commissioner will be made after the Governor has made the appointment.
October 2011 – Mini Olympiad
GPA CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY
Thank you to RGP for organising the event and inviting an opening address from the GPA.
Chairman, GPA: Authority was first appointed in 2007, following New Constitution.GPA supports and endorses initiative of RGP in organising the Mini Olympiad
- Secure the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force for Gibraltar;
- Ensure high standards of integrity, probity and independence of policing in Gibraltar;
- Hold the Commissioner of Police to account for matters which are the responsibility of the Authority;
- Enhanced public accountability through a process of consultation with the community.
Aimed at youth having fun, positive channel for energy.
Young people are our future – but also potentially vulnerable, including from peer pressure from other young people.
Today's positive messages are two:GPA applauds both these positive messages.
- On the theme of drug awareness and tobacco and alcohol abuse: SAY NO
- The Police should not be looked on in just a negative light: stopping us from doing what we should not do. They also have a positive community role.
Let the games and the fun begin.
July 2011 – New Appointments to the GPA
Acting on the advice of the Public Service Commission, the Governor has appointed Mr. Albert Danino as a member of the Gibraltar Police Authority. The appointment is for a term of three years commencing 29th July 2011.
June 2011 - Annual Report for 2010-2011
In accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of the Police Act 2006 the Gibraltar Police Authority (GPA) has produced its Annual Report for the policing year which ended on the 31st March 2011.
The report contains an overview and an assessment prepared by the Authority, a detailed analysis of the performance of the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) in meeting each of the targets and measures of the Policing Plan for the year 2010-2011 prepared by the RGP and tables containing the crime statistics for the year.
The Report was laid before Parliament by the Chief Minister and is now available on the Authority's website. A copy of the Annual Report can be downloaded from our publications section.
June 2011 – Sullage Plant Fire
The Gibraltar Police Authority issued the following press release:
The Gibraltar Police Authority notes with deep satisfaction the exemplary performance of the Royal Gibraltar Police in its policing on the occasion of the sullage plant fire last week.
The aspect in particular on which the Authority would like to comment relates to the delivery of the Annual Policing Plan. One of the measures contained in the Plan relates to what are termed "Protective Services", i.e. areas which include counter terrorism, serious crime, critical incidents, civil contingencies and public order. The events last week put the RGP to the test in its handling of a critical incident and a civil contingency. The RGP rose to the challenge and did so in a manner that deservedly attracted the highest praise from the community. The Force proved that it could handle a very difficult situation and take the operational lead in addressing a civil contingency. The credit for this must go to the Force as a whole, under its senior managers headed by the Commissioner of Police.
The Authority would like to single out and praise the heroism of PC Mackintosh, in saving the life of two workers, and in so doing placing his own life at risk.
The RGP has once again demonstrated the high standards to which it operates, and in so doing has brought further credit on itself. The Authority is proud of the performance of the RGP in respect of its handling of the serious incident last week.
May 2011 – Awareness Morning
The Gibraltar Police Authority held an awareness morning outside the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned on Saturday 7th May. Members of the GPA were at hand to answer any questions, listen to any concerns and to distribute information to the general public.
Copies of the recently published Policing Plan 2011-2012, produced by the GPA after consultation with the RGP and the community at large, was distributed. The Policing Plan incorporates valuable feedback that the Authority obtained from its annual consultation exercise at the end of last year, when questionnaires were sent to every household. The public now have a say on how they wish to be policed, something that did not happen before the Authority was created. The Policing Plan determines the priorities for the RGP and sets targets and objectives. In this way, the RGP's efficiency and effectiveness can be tested and monitored.
In addition, copies of the HMIC report on the RGP was available to the public. This report was commissioned by the Authority from the Inspectorate, so that an independent professional view of the Police could be obtained. The recommendations of the HMIC report are included in the Policing Plan.
April 2011 - the Annual Policing Plan for 2011/2012 laid before Parliament
On 27th April 2011, the Annual Policing Plan 2011/2012. The Plan incorporates the recommendations of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary as set out in the HMIC Report on the RGP that was received by the RGP and the Authority in January 2011. It also takes account of and reflects the feedback from the general public in response to the public consultation conducted by the Authority in December 2010 and January 2011. A copy of the Annual Policing Plan can be downloaded from our publications section.
April 2011 - European Association of Airports and Seaports Police
The Gibraltar Police Authority, which represents the Community in policing, wishes to publicly congratulate Commissioner Louis Wink of the Royal Gibraltar Police on having been made a Life Member of the European Association of Airports and Seaports Police. This appointment is an important testimony, at an international level, of the regards with which Mr Wink is held. It also by implication reflects highly on the Force that he heads, the RGP.
The Authority additionally wishes to congratulate Superintendent Eddie Yome on having been re-elected as Vice President (Aviation) of the EAASP. The confidence that EAASP members have shown in Mr Yome, through his re-election to such a senior position within an important European association, reflects highly on him and consequently on the RGP.
"International recognition of this sort and at this level by an important European organisation is something that should make us all proud of the RGP," said Richard Garcia, Chairman of the Gibraltar Police Authority. "It reflects on the quality of the highest echelons of the Force, and on the persons entrusted, with others, in delivering policing to our community."
March 2011 - New Appointments to the GPA
Pursuant to Section 4(1)(b) of the Police Act 2006, the Chief Minister has appointed Mr Richard Armstrong as a member of the Gibraltar Police Authority. The appointment is for a term of three years commencing 1st March 2011.
March 2011 - GPA Publishes 2010-11 Public Consultation Survey Results
The results of its Public Consultation Survey 2010 have now been published by the Gibraltar Police Authority, and are available from the website www.gpa.gi.
The results show that over 50% of respondents are satisfied and have confidence in the overall service of the RGP. Results also show that over 70% of respondents agree with all the priorities set out in the 2009-10 Annual Policing Plan that was prepared by the Police Authority.
The survey results follow the conclusion of the recent HMIC report that "Gibraltar continues to be a safe place for people to live and work".
The Authority will now take on board the results of the survey and comments from the questionnaire completed by the community, together with the HMIC report, in drawing up the 2011-12 Policing Plan of Gibraltar.
The Authority would like to thank all members of the community who took the time to fill in the questionnaire. All comments are valued and given due consideration.
March 2011 - Appointment of Chairman of the Gibraltar Police Authority
Acting on the advice of the Specified Appointments Commission, the Governor has appointed Richard Garcia as Chairman of the Gibraltar Police Authority in succession to Eddie Guerrero. The appointment is for a term of three years commencing 1st March 2011.
January 2011 - HMIC Report on the RGP
The report on the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) commissioned by the Gibraltar Police Authority (GPA) from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies (HMIC) has now been received by the GPA. The report has been made available to the RGP, who have been asked for their considered views. The report is also being considered by the GPA. The report will be published on Tuesday 25th January 2011.
December 2010 - GPA issued the following Press Release
The Gibraltar Police Authority has overseen the conduct of the internal investigation carried out by the Royal Gibraltar Police into the incidents at Alcaidesa in Spain that occurred in August 2010, within the parameters of the Police Act 2006. The investigation has now been concluded.
The Commissioner of Police has accepted the extensive report that includes several recommendations both for the determination of the disciplinary matter as well as improvements for internal organisational matters arising from this incident.
The GPA is satisfied that this internal investigation has been concluded diligently and that the integrity and probity of the Royal Gibraltar Police in respect of the investigation has been upheld. The GPA looks forward to the prompt implementation of the recommendations arising from the investigation.
September 2010 - GPA issued the following Press Release
The Gibraltar Police Authority has asked the Royal Gibraltar Police for a report on the recent incident in Spain involving RGP officers from the perspective of securing the efficiency and effectiveness of the police and ensuring high standards of integrity and probity, for which the GPA has responsibility pursuant to the Police Act 2006.
The GPA will in due course make a further statement.
July 2010 - Awareness Morning
The Gibraltar Police Authority held an awareness morning outside their premises at Casemates Square on Saturday 3rd July between 10.30 and 13:00 hrs. The members of the GPA were on hand to answer any questions, listen to any concerns and to distribute information to the general public.
The Authority launched a leaflet that it has printed highlighting the role of the GPA within the community entitled, ‘10 Things You need to know about your Authority.’ It also launched a pocket sized information booklet called ‘Stop and Search’ advising the public of their rights if they are stopped and searched by the Royal Gibraltar Police.
Copies of the recently published Policing Plan 2010-2011, produced by the GPA after consultation with the RGP and the community at large, were also handed out to the public.
The GPA invited all members of the community to come down and to meet the members of the Authority.
“One of the duties with which the Police Authority is charged is to provide information on police issues to the community,” said a spokesperson for the Authority. “This is precisely what the Authority wishes to do on Saturday, both through engaging with members of the public, and through distributing – as in the past – copies of the Policing Plan and now, for the first time, through special leaflets that have been prepared by the Authority.”
“Furthermore, the Authority takes to heart the dictum of Margaret Mead, who wrote: ‘Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’ The Authority therefore looks forward to engaging with the public and to receiving their feedback on issues that are within the Authority’s remit.”
May 2010 - New Appointments to the GPA
Following the amendment by Parliament of the Police Act 2006, the number of members of the Gibraltar Police Authority has been increased to ten. In addition to the appointment of three new members, there was a need to appoint a further member in place of Mr Manolo Ruiz, who stood down from the Authority. The four new members are: Mr J Brian Francis, Ms Mandy Gaggero, Mr Vikram Nagrani and Mrs Naomi Hassan Weisfogel. The appointments for a period of three years have been made by the Governor acting on the advice of the Public Service Commission.
February 2009 - New PCB Information Brochure launched
A new information brochure setting out the procedures for making a complaint against a police officer has been produced by the Police Complaints Board in conjunction with the GPA. The brochure which includes a complaints form is available for download from our publications section.
January 2009 - GPA Board Member attends RGP selection weekend and sits at selection Board
A member of the GPA Board, Mrs Vivian Canessa, visited the RGP selection weekend at Bufadero Camp and then sat as a member of the Selection Board who were tasked with selecting 12 recruits to fill the vacancies available at the RGP.
January 2009 - GPA Chairman attends UK APA Conference
Lt Col (ret'd) Eddie Guerrero, Chairman of the Gibraltar Police Authority, recently attended the Association of Police Authority's annual conference in the UK. Although we are not a member of the APA it is very useful for us to see the workings of Police Authorities in the Uk and compare experiences.
January 2009 - Results of Public Consultation published
The results of the 2009/2010 Public Consultation survey were published. A record 1166 replies had been received. The Chairman of the Authority commented “ We are indeed gratified with the response from the community which have trebled those of the 2007 survey. This response clearly shows that the members of our community wish to have a say on how Gibraltar should be policed. The Authority will now take account of the views expressed by the community in the preparation of the 2009/2010 policing plan for Gibraltar.” A copy of the results can be downloaded from our publications section.
December 2008 - GPA vist RGP
On 9th December 2008, members of the GPA Board were invited to visit the RGP. As well as visiting New Mole House, the visit included the RGP Marine section and observation of members of the RGP operating a speed camera at Queensway. All in all a very interesting visit which brings to life the work of the GPA and allows it to experience first hand the very diversified responsibilities of the RGP.
November 2008 - Chairman attends Inter-Island Policing Forum in Guernsey
From the 17th to 19th November, the Chairman attended the Inter-Island Policing Forum in Guernsey. This is always useful and allows the GPA to monitor other Police forces and bring back best practice to Gibraltar. In this case, however, we are ahead of Guernsey and various other participants in relation to establishing a Police Authority and our Chairman was able to expand on our experiences.
November 2008 - RGP makes mid term presentation to GPA on 2008/2009 Policing Plan
Press release on RGP mid-term presentation to GPA on 2008/2009 Policing Plan results. Click here for full press release as a pdf file (45k)
October 2008 - Changes to Police Act to clarify its application to Gibraltar Services Police
On 24th October 2008 the Government amended Section 78 of the Police Act 2006 to further clarify its application to Police Officers employed by the Gibraltar Services Police.
October 2008 - Members of GPA accompany RGP on Halloween patrols
On 31st October 2008 members of the GPA were invited by the Commissioner of Police to ride with him during the evening of Halloween as he visited the various inititaves being operated by the RGP to curb public unrest during this period. The evening was indeed very interestng for the members of the GPA that attended and the Chairman of the GPA reported that he was very impressed with the RGP operations and had no doubt that they had contributed to a relatively "quiet" night.
October 2008 - 2009/2010 Public Consultation Launched
The Public Consultation to determine the public's policing priorities for the year 2009/2010 was launched on 14th Ocober 2008. This will take the form of a questionnaire which will be distributed to member of the3 public via various channels. 25,000 copies of the questionnaire were being printed and these would be distriubuted to all households by AquaGib in conjunction with their water invoices, they would be included in the Chronicle and in Panorama and would be distributed by members of the GPA at the Piazza and Casemates, to all six formers at the various schools and to various representative bodies.
September 2008 - GPA member sits on RGP Promotions Board for Insprectors and Sergeants
On 24th September 2008 a Promotions Board was held to fill RGP vacancies for 2 Inspectors and 4 Sergeants. A member of the GPA was included as part of the Promotions Board.
September 2008 - the Annual Report for 2007/2008 laid before Parliament
On 18th September 2008, the Annual Report 2007/2008 which sets out the performance of the RGP in realtion to the Policing Plan previously set out for the year 2007/2008. A copy of the Annual Report can be downloaded from our publications section.
July 2008 - GPA congratulates RGP on forntier queues effort.
The chairman of the Gibraltar Police Authority has written to the Commissioner of Police congratulating the Royal Gibraltar Police for the manner in which the Force is dealing with the current frontier traffic queues.
July 2008 - Mr Philip Barton CMG OBE leaves the GPA
Following his reassignment outside Gibraltar, Mr Philip Barton CMG OBE leaves the GPA as a member of the Board. Mrs Lesley Pallett who replaces Mr Barton as deputy Governor of Gibraltar, also replaces Mr Barton on the Board of the GPA. At his last meeting on 15th July 2008, the Chairman thanked Mr Barton for all his hard work during his time the setting up of the Board and presented him with a crystal tankard on behalf of all themembers of the Board.
May 2008 - GPA employs permanent staff
The GPA offices at 1 Casemates Square will now be staffed by the GPA's own permanent staff. Elka Hanglin was employed as Office Manager and Michelle Hook as Assistant Office Manager.
May 2008 - Chairman address RGP recruits
On the 20th May 2008, the Chairman of the GPA addressed the RGP recruits at their Passing Out Parade held at John Mackintosh Square.
May 2008 - Policing Plan 2008-2009 published
Government has laid before parliament the policing plan for the year 2008-2009 prepared by the Gibraltar Police Authority.
March 2008 - Police Complaints Regulations Enacted
The Government published on 27th March 2008 the new Police Complaints Regulations 2008 setting out the procedures for making complaints against the police through the Police Complaints Board.
February 2008 - Public Consultation Survey 2007-2008 Results Issued
The GPA has pulished the results of its Public Survey Questionaire on its website. The report is available in the publications section.
February 2008 - Police Complaints Board 2007 Annual Report Issued
The PCB has issued its annual report for the year ended 31 December 2007. This report is available for viewing on the GPA website in the publications section.
December 2007 - Launch of Public Consultation Survey
The GPA launched a questionnaire requesting the public's views on what they perceived to be the issues that the Police should address in the forthcoming year's policing plan. The questionnaire is accessible online and will be included as an insert in the Gibrlatar Chronicle and Panorama, Gibraltar's two daily newspapers. Members of the Authority will also be available outside Parliament House on Saturday 8th December 2007 to hand copies of the questionnaires to the public.
December 2007 - Opening of Gibraltar Police Authority Premises
Premises for the Gibraltar Police Authority, situated at 1 Casemates House, Casemates Square, was officially inaugurated by Hon Daniel Feetham MP, Minister for Justice on Tuesday 4th December 2007. The premises also houses the Police Complaints Board. Premises are currently open from 9.00am to 1.00pm.
November 2007 - Inter Island Police Forum
A Police Inter-Island Forum took place in Gibraltar on the 27th and 28th November 2007. Representatives from the Police Forces of Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar took part. The Forum hosted by the RGP was held at the Eliott O’Callaghan Hotel. The Minister for Justice opened the Forum.
November 2007 - Royal Gibraltar Police Recruits Selection Weekend
The RGP held a recruits selection weekend on the 10th and 11th November 2007. A total of 35 candidates took part. Members of the Authority were invited to visit various activities.
September 2007 - Chairman visits Hampshire Police Authority and Association of Police Authorities
In September 2007 the Chairman of the Authority visited the Hampshire Police Authority and the Association of Police Authorities. These familiarisation visits were undertaken to seek relevant information on the setting up and running of a Police Authority.
May 2007 – GPA members visit Police “outposts”
On 9th May 2007 the GPA members extended their familiarisation visit to the RGP’s motorised section, the Response Unit, Frontier Post and the Marine Section.
March 2007 – GPA members visit New Mole House
The Authority paid a familiarisation visit to the RGP’s different departments at New Mole House on 27th March 2007.
March 2007 – Members of the Authority attended senior police officers seminar
Members of the Authority attended a seminar held by the Royal Gibraltar Police on Wednesday 21st March 2007.
March 2007 – Inaugural meeting of GPA
The inaugural meeting of the GPA was held on Wednesday 7th March, 2007.
February 2007 – Members of Police Authority appointed
On 22nd February 2007, the following were appointed members of the Gibraltar Police Authority:
Lt. Col. (Retd) E.A. Guerrero OBE ED JP (Chairman), Mr. P. Barton CMG OBE, Mr. R. Garcia MBE, Mrs. V. Canessa, Mr. H. Pinna, Mr. S. Reyes and Mr. M. Ruiz.
February 2007 – Commencement of the Police Act 2006
Legal Notice 33 of 2007 published in the Gibraltar Gazette on 22nd February 2007 brought the Police Act into effect.
September 2006 – GPA chairman designate visits UK Association of Police Authorities
Lt. Col. Guerrero attended a familiarisation visit to Police Authorities in the United Kingdom before taking up his appointment as Chairman of the GPA.
July 2006 – Police Act 2006 establishing the Gibraltar Police Authority published
The Gibraltar Police Authority officially came into operation on the 20th July 2006 when the Police Act 2006 was published in the First Supplement to the Gibraltar Gazette No. 3546.