Care Inquiry: Former police chief claims there was 'political interference in the force'

Former Head of Police Graham Power is continuing with his evidence at the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry today.

Mr Power led the force during the investigation into alleged abuse at Haut de la Garenne in 2008.

He was suspended that year over the way he handled the inquiry.

Today Graham Power told the panel that there was political interference in the police force during his term.

He referred to a decision by senior politicians to remove the then Health Minister, Stuart Syvret, from his post, which he says he was asked to support.

Mr Power told the inquiry the decision was taken because there was an opinion among politicians that Mr Syvret was asking too many questions and didn't toe the line.

The perception was that he was a trouble-maker.

Mr Syvret had criticised the handling of several investigations into abuse, including the case at Victoria College.

According to Mr Power, a plan was formed in the then Chief Minister's Frank Walker's office, to respond by removing Mr Syvret from his position.

He said Mr Syvret was all for transparency and many other senior politicians hated him.

Mr Power claims he was essentially asked, by former States officer Bill Ogley, to pass a vote of no confidence in Mr Syvret.

When asked by Council for the Inquiry whether anybody questioned whether or not Mr Syvret might be making a valid point, Mr Power said:

Mr Power told the Inquiry he was taken aback at being dragged into the discussion and told politicians he refused to be part of such a decision.

He said he asked himself what he was doing there, among this lot, as the island's Chief of Police.

He said after this point there was a clear tension between senior politicians and himself.

He claims he was semi-detached from the "inner gang".

The Inquiry continues.