Irish officers to help build police force |03 February 2009

The President’s Office said in a statement yesterday that two of the officers have already served in an advisory capacity with the police and have a deep appreciation of the challenges the police face.

“As in Seychelles, the Irish policing service has evolved from a colonial legacy and has successfully developed into a credible and highly respected force that is supported by all sections of the community,” the statement said.

“It has achieved this primarily by placing a high-quality and responsive policing service at the heart of the community.”
 
The police officers who have been appointed are: Michael Fitzgerald, (Deputy Commissioner), Liam Quinn (Chief Superintendent – director of operations and training), Liam Coen (Chief Superintendent – crime wing), Liam Hogan (Chief Superintendent – finance investigation unit).

All four officers have broad policing experience in crime prevention, reduction and investigation, and their collective policing experience includes service in Ireland, Cyprus and Palestine.

“The initial stage of engagement will provide support and assistance to Acting Commissioner Quatre and his senior officers in developing a policing plan for 2009 for consideration by the cabinet,” the statement added.

“The Irish officers will also be responsible for training Seychellois police officers in modern policing and managerial techniques.”

The Irish police force is currently offering training and support to the Seychellois force and has already made training in fraud, investigations and computer crime available.