❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses the Minister for Police regarding the case of Detective Sergeant Coombs, who was recommended for removal by a former Police Commissioner but the decision was not acted upon. The questions probe the Minister's awareness of legal proceedings, advice received, and future considerations regarding the case.
AnsweredQoN 222Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is it the case that the Minister recently decided not to act on a recommendation made some 12 months ago by former Police Commissioner Falconer that Detective Sergeant Coombs be removed from the Western Australian Police Force? (2) Is the Minister aware that Detective Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for some 2 years in respect of the matters upon which Commissioner Falconer recommended Sergeant Coombs be removed from the Police Service? (3) Was the Minister aware of proceedings brought by Sergeant Coombs against former Commissioner Falconer in the Western Australian Supreme Court alleging that the decision by the Commissioner to recommend Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service failed to accord Sergeant Coombs natural justice, was biased, failed to consider Sergeant Coombs response before making his recommendation, and was unlawful? (4) Did the Minister receive advice that there was a real possibility that Sergeant Coombs would succeed in his Supreme Court Action and, if so, was that the reason the Minister decided not to have regard to Commissioner Falconer s recommendations? (5) Was the Minister advised, and by whom, before deciding not to act on Commissioner Falconer s recommendation? (6) Is the Minister aware that Police Commissioner Matthews is now deliberating further on Sergeant Coombs future in relation to the same matters on which Mr Falconer sought Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service and in respect of which the former Minister of Police has decided not to act? (7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 August 2000
Response time
8 days
1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(2) Is the Minister aware that Detective Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for some 2 years in respect of the matters upon which Commissioner Falconer recommended Sergeant Coombs be removed from the Police Service? (3) Was the Minister aware of proceedings brought by Sergeant Coombs against former Commissioner Falconer in the Western Australian Supreme Court alleging that the decision by the Commissioner to recommend Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service failed to accord Sergeant Coombs natural justice, was biased, failed to consider Sergeant Coombs response before making his recommendation, and was unlawful? (4) Did the Minister receive advice that there was a real possibility that Sergeant Coombs would succeed in his Supreme Court Action and, if so, was that the reason the Minister decided not to have regard to Commissioner Falconer s recommendations? (5) Was the Minister advised, and by whom, before deciding not to act on Commissioner Falconer s recommendation? (6) Is the Minister aware that Police Commissioner Matthews is now deliberating further on Sergeant Coombs future in relation to the same matters on which Mr Falconer sought Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service and in respect of which the former Minister of Police has decided not to act? (7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(3) Was the Minister aware of proceedings brought by Sergeant Coombs against former Commissioner Falconer in the Western Australian Supreme Court alleging that the decision by the Commissioner to recommend Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service failed to accord Sergeant Coombs natural justice, was biased, failed to consider Sergeant Coombs response before making his recommendation, and was unlawful? (4) Did the Minister receive advice that there was a real possibility that Sergeant Coombs would succeed in his Supreme Court Action and, if so, was that the reason the Minister decided not to have regard to Commissioner Falconer s recommendations? (5) Was the Minister advised, and by whom, before deciding not to act on Commissioner Falconer s recommendation? (6) Is the Minister aware that Police Commissioner Matthews is now deliberating further on Sergeant Coombs future in relation to the same matters on which Mr Falconer sought Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service and in respect of which the former Minister of Police has decided not to act? (7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(4) Did the Minister receive advice that there was a real possibility that Sergeant Coombs would succeed in his Supreme Court Action and, if so, was that the reason the Minister decided not to have regard to Commissioner Falconer s recommendations? (5) Was the Minister advised, and by whom, before deciding not to act on Commissioner Falconer s recommendation? (6) Is the Minister aware that Police Commissioner Matthews is now deliberating further on Sergeant Coombs future in relation to the same matters on which Mr Falconer sought Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service and in respect of which the former Minister of Police has decided not to act? (7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(5) Was the Minister advised, and by whom, before deciding not to act on Commissioner Falconer s recommendation? (6) Is the Minister aware that Police Commissioner Matthews is now deliberating further on Sergeant Coombs future in relation to the same matters on which Mr Falconer sought Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service and in respect of which the former Minister of Police has decided not to act? (7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(6) Is the Minister aware that Police Commissioner Matthews is now deliberating further on Sergeant Coombs future in relation to the same matters on which Mr Falconer sought Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service and in respect of which the former Minister of Police has decided not to act? (7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(2) Is the Minister aware that Detective Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for some 2 years in respect of the matters upon which Commissioner Falconer recommended Sergeant Coombs be removed from the Police Service? (3) Was the Minister aware of proceedings brought by Sergeant Coombs against former Commissioner Falconer in the Western Australian Supreme Court alleging that the decision by the Commissioner to recommend Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service failed to accord Sergeant Coombs natural justice, was biased, failed to consider Sergeant Coombs response before making his recommendation, and was unlawful? (4) Did the Minister receive advice that there was a real possibility that Sergeant Coombs would succeed in his Supreme Court Action and, if so, was that the reason the Minister decided not to have regard to Commissioner Falconer s recommendations? (5) Was the Minister advised, and by whom, before deciding not to act on Commissioner Falconer s recommendation? (6) Is the Minister aware that Police Commissioner Matthews is now deliberating further on Sergeant Coombs future in relation to the same matters on which Mr Falconer sought Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service and in respect of which the former Minister of Police has decided not to act? (7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(3) Was the Minister aware of proceedings brought by Sergeant Coombs against former Commissioner Falconer in the Western Australian Supreme Court alleging that the decision by the Commissioner to recommend Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service failed to accord Sergeant Coombs natural justice, was biased, failed to consider Sergeant Coombs response before making his recommendation, and was unlawful? (4) Did the Minister receive advice that there was a real possibility that Sergeant Coombs would succeed in his Supreme Court Action and, if so, was that the reason the Minister decided not to have regard to Commissioner Falconer s recommendations? (5) Was the Minister advised, and by whom, before deciding not to act on Commissioner Falconer s recommendation? (6) Is the Minister aware that Police Commissioner Matthews is now deliberating further on Sergeant Coombs future in relation to the same matters on which Mr Falconer sought Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service and in respect of which the former Minister of Police has decided not to act? (7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(4) Did the Minister receive advice that there was a real possibility that Sergeant Coombs would succeed in his Supreme Court Action and, if so, was that the reason the Minister decided not to have regard to Commissioner Falconer s recommendations? (5) Was the Minister advised, and by whom, before deciding not to act on Commissioner Falconer s recommendation? (6) Is the Minister aware that Police Commissioner Matthews is now deliberating further on Sergeant Coombs future in relation to the same matters on which Mr Falconer sought Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service and in respect of which the former Minister of Police has decided not to act? (7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(5) Was the Minister advised, and by whom, before deciding not to act on Commissioner Falconer s recommendation? (6) Is the Minister aware that Police Commissioner Matthews is now deliberating further on Sergeant Coombs future in relation to the same matters on which Mr Falconer sought Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service and in respect of which the former Minister of Police has decided not to act? (7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(6) Is the Minister aware that Police Commissioner Matthews is now deliberating further on Sergeant Coombs future in relation to the same matters on which Mr Falconer sought Sergeant Coombs removal from the Police Service and in respect of which the former Minister of Police has decided not to act? (7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(7) Does the Minister propose to consider any further submission that he might receive from the Commissioner of Police in respect of those same matters? (8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
(8) If so, why does the Minister consider it appropriate or fair to do so given that some 2 years have now elapsed since the matters first arose, that the Minister has decided to act on Mr Falconer s recommendations and Sergeant Coombs has been under suspension for that entire period? Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
Answered on 17 August 2000 The Minister Replied: 1 Yes. 2 Detective Sergeant Coombs was suspended on 12 December 1997. On 12 May 1998 his suspension status was changed to one of stand down with full pay. 3 Yes. 4 I decided not to have regard to Mr Falconer's recommendations because Mr Matthews advised me he would be considering Detective Sergeant Coomb's case afresh. 5 Mr Matthews. 6 I am aware the Commissioner is deliberating afresh. 7 Should I receive a fresh recommendation from Mr Matthews I will consider it. 8 In order that the Commissioner of Police has the capacity to ensure that public confidence in the Police Service is maintained it is imperative that the Commissioner has the power to rid the Police Service of those officers in whom he has lost confidence. Accordingly, should I receive a recommendation from Mr Matthews that he has lost confidence in any officer, I will give it serious considerations as I am obliged by law to do.
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