West Midlands Serious Crime Squad - investigations continue
01 January 1991
West Midlands Serious Crime Squad - investigations continue
artdoc May=1991
A second inquiry is underway into the West Midlands Serious Crime Squad
which will look into the actions of senior officers who disbanded the
squad, and, in particular, their apparent failure to make secure the
squads former headquarters at Bradford Street, Birmingham. It is
alleged that vital documents went missing at a farewell gathering of the
squad two days after it was disbanded.
Central to the present controversy is Geoffrey Dear, the former chief
constable of the West Midlands who disbanded the squad last year. A
report to the local police authority by the Assistant Chief Constable of
West Yorkshire, Donald Shaw, carrying out the original investigation
into the squad, is critical of Mr. Dear for failing to ensure the
building was sealed off immediately. The Chief Constable of Sussex,
Roger Birch, has now been brought in to conduct the new inquiry.
(Independent 31.10.90, 2.11.90, 9.11.90)
IRR Police-Media Bulletin, no 65. Institute of Race Relations, 2-6 Leeke
Street, London WC1X 9HS