ACP: Forced Leave Was “Disrespectful”

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Two Assistant Commissioners of Police are speaking out on the decision by the former administration to send them on leave and eventually reassign them to other government agencies.

They’re hoping what happened to them never happens to another police officer. 

Berthony McDermott reports. 

Two assistant commissioners of police are breaking their silence on the former administration’s decision to place them on leave back in 2019.

ASP Clayton Fernander calling it disrespectful.

In March 2019, Fernander, ACP Leamond Deleveaux, and ACP Ken Strachan were asked to take weeks of accumulated vacation, with the expectation that they would retire at the end of their leave.

The move followed a police force manpower audit tabled in parliament by then National Security Minister Marvin Dames which revealed the senior command of the force was too top-heavy.

The senior officers were then reassigned to the Ministry Of Health, Education And The Simpson Penn Centre For Boys respectively.

Fernander said the time off was rough.

A similar sentiment was shared my ACP Deleveaux. While appearing as a guest on police force virtual talk show Cop Talk, Deleveaux explained what kept him going.

The officers returned to their duties after the September 16th election.

Now, Deleveaux is tasked with criminal proceedings and prosecutorial control, while Fernander oversees intelligence management.

Fernander said despite the rough patch, it’s all behind him and he’s ready to get the job done.