Plymouth Labour’s crime spokesperson says she has serious concerns about the ability of the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner to continue in her role after what she described as “yet another serious mistake”.
Alison Hernandez told a meeting of the Devon and Cornwall police and crime panel on Friday that “dead bodies” had been found at Sticker, near St Austell, and investigations were continuing to establish exactly how many. It later emerged this was incorrect.
“It’s extremely disappointing that the Commissioner shared such seriously flawed information at the panel,” said Cllr Sally Haydon, who is Plymouth City Council’s cabinet member for Community Safety as well as the chair of the panel.
“It’s a serious mistake which not only created a period of real worry for people but is deeply unhelpful when we need to do all we can to help restore confidence in our police force.”
Cllr Haydon pointed out that the commissioner’s statement about “dead bodies in the woods” came quickly after being corrected by her monitoring officer on a separate issue at the same meeting.
“It’s extremely worrying that Ms Hernandez made such a serious public statement without the full facts on what was clearly an operational matter, particularly when she has repeatedly told the committee that she does not get operational,” said Cllr Haydon, who was reelected as chair at the meeting.
Ms Hernandez also failed to disclose the details of a ‘golden handshake’ deal struck with chief constable Will Kerr – her pick for the role – before his recently-announced retirement.
It follows strong criticism last year when she appointed a deputy commissioner after he was twice rejected by the panel. Mark Kingscote resigned at the start of this year, after just five months in post.
“All of this, coupled with the apparent chaos at senior levels of the force and the interventions required following inspection and the continued need to improve means there are very serious concerns over whether she is capable of continuing in this role,” said Cllr Haydon. “I believe she should be considering her position.”
