The JEP “opinion” and the “facts”

On the 23rd of February 2010 the Jersey Evening Post shared its “opinion” with its readers. Its “opinion” of former DCO Lenny Harper and CPO Graham Power QPM didn’t come across as very high.

But what happens when the “opinion” of a “news”paper isn’t compared against known facts? Well one is left to believe that the “opinion” must be right. On the other hand what happens if the “opinion” is compared against facts? Well the “news”paper knows what it is talking about, so the two (opinion and fact) shouldn’t be that far apart should they? That my dear reader(s) is something for you to decide.


How would it look if ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) produced an initial report concerning “Operation Rectangle” (Historic Child Abuse Enquiry) after assessing the enquiry, conducted by DCO Lenny Harper and his dedicated team, on a strategic level, in February-March 2008, well according to some………. they did!

So let’s have a look at the “opinion” of our only “news”paper and the facts that are available to us thanks to the power of the internet.


It is the “opinion” of the JEP that “There seems to be little, if any, doubt over the two key points. One is that Mr Power’s deputy, Lenny Harper, was not effectively supervised as he pursued with ever increasing public zeal his unsubstantiated suspicions that torture, murder and institutional cover-up had taken place at the former children’s home.”


Let’s take the first point - or “opinion” “ Lenny Harper, was not effectively supervised” now that is according to the JEP. First of all how are they to know DCO Harper was not “effectively supervised”? How can they confidently make such a sweeping statement, or judgement?


When the “facts” are - not only was the entire investigation being mentored by ACPO but DCO Harper, among others had his own personal mentor. I know what you are thinking, why should we believe you an “un-accredited” Citizen Media against “accredited journalists”. To that I will say, “one of us might be a little more informed, or should I say “researched” than the other.”


Just by going with what is already common knowledge, to most “researched” folk ACPO produced a number of reports concerning “Operation Rectangle” (HDLG Enquiry).


In it’s initial report it is claimed that it had this to say about “supervision”


“this is an initial report by the Association of Chief Police Officers Homicide Working Group’s Advice team appointed to mentor and advise Mr Lenny Harper, the Senior Investigating Officer for Operation Rectangle.”

And this - “between the 23rd February 2008 and the 29th February 2008, **** **** mentored and advised Lenny Harper .


So it is fairly safe to say that Lenny Harper and “Operation Rectangle” were pretty well supervised, contrary to the “opinion” of the Jersey Evening Post.


Which brings us to point, or “opinion” number two where the JEP say this “as he pursued with ever increasing public zeal his unsubstantiated suspicions that torture, murder and institutional cover-up had taken place at the former children’s home”

But ACPO are reported as saying (regarding “Media Strategy”) “The SIO (Senior Investigating Officer Lenny Harper) has, wherever possible, refuted wide suggestions and at appropriate times, refused to confirm sensitive information to minimise sensationalism.”


So here we have two “opinions” from the “accredited” media which are in my opinion, at complete odds with the Association of Chief Police Officers, perhaps ACPO are not “accredited”?


When time, and enthusiasm, permit I shall quote more of the JEP opinion from February 23rd 2010 and in particular according to the JEP “his unsubstantiated suspicions that torture, murder and institutional cover-up had taken place at the former children’s home”………… HIS UNSUBSTANTIATED SUSPICIONS?


You would think you couldn’t make this stuff up, but it looks like somebody is!!


I have now read on Senator Syvret’s Blogsite that he is going to be publishing the ACPO report(s) in there entirety, now that should make for VERY interesting reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!