And while he is willing to sit with his critics - The Commissioner says he will not see everyone who requests a meeting. He says there are matters that can be resolved lower on the command chain - but there are also failings up and down that chain that have to be brought to his attention:..
Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police
"I am not here to address police complaints per say, but let's say for example you have made a report to the police and times have passed. The police have not given your a feedback. You have been checking with the police and they are not forthcoming. If you want to come and see the commissioner for that, so that the commissioner can check with the investigator or the officer to see how far they are with your complaints, then you can come and I am here just as the other police officers that serve the public and for us if you don't have an avenue where people can get feedback in respect to complaints that people have made to the police, then we are bound to fail."
Reporter
"Have there been any talk about the security protocols? Those who are members of the public when they do come, will they be search to come up and see you when it is time for their appointment?"
Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police
"I am not going to say that we are going to search people, but if you look at the entrance there, there is an officer from special branch who regulates the persons who comes in and just with a view to ensure who is coming in."
Reporter
"Is it a way of trying to rebuild some confidence in the department? because people see that the leader is available and accountable and answerable, will then they expect more of those under him."
Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police
"Of course, it has a lot to do with building trust and confidence and if you are a leader, you make yourself accessible to the public or those you serve, then that surely enhances the way how the people look at you. It helps to build trust and confidence in the work that we do."
Reporter
"Of course the other interpretation it can be taken if you are a leader and you are answering questions at the micro level, you will be given to micro-management when you should be operating at the macro level and providing the highest level of policy, leadership and oversight, not being the God of the small things."
Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police
"It's just like I said, if it's a matter that can be address by the local commander, then it is referred back to the local commander."
On his first day in the Commissioner's Clinic, Williams took 14 appointments. To get your appointment, you can call 207-2222 extension 205.
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