Yvonne Mosquito suspended: Deputy PCC could have jeopardised gun murder probe with 'prayer visit'
The West Midlands' deputy police and crime commissioner did not get permission to visit the grieving family of a gun murder victim and may have jeopardised the investigation, it was claimed today.
It is understood she claims the visit was in a 'pastoral capacity and to pray with the family.'
But today, speaking about the suspension for the first time, PCC David Jamieson said no permission had been sought for the visit
He said: "Last week I made a very difficult decision to suspend the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.
"I made the decision after a senior officer from the force contacted me setting out how the unexpected actions of a member of my staff may have interfered with and disrupted a highly complex and sensitive criminal investigation.
"This is the first time I have ever received such a letter. The oath of office for police and crime commissioners says I must never "interfere with the operational independence of police officers".
"This is a golden rule for PCCs and our offices. The police have to be able to get on with catching criminals and preventing crime without interference. Following that contact, I decided to act.
"It is not in dispute that the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner visited the family of a victim of a murder.
"The family have my deepest sympathies at this most awful time, and I sincerely hope that all those involved are brought to justice."
"Such visits are allowed, of course, but there has been an understood practice for some years that, before such a visit, the police should be informed, so as to ensure that the police investigation team are aware and there is no risk of the visit compromising the investigation, nor to those making the visit. All it takes is a phone call.
"We refreshed our approach to such visits just a few weeks ago, exactly to ensure that if visits like this take place they do so without causing problems for the investigators.
"It is alleged that the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner did not make contact with the police or my office before making this visit. Unauthorised visits can lead to serious consequences that negatively affect investigations. This serious breach of protocol, if proven, could have potentially hindered and jeopardised a complex, sensitive and on-going murder investigation.
"The potential impact could hardly be greater. I cannot release further details as to do so would potentially cause more damage to the investigation than has already been reported to me by the force.
"These are serious allegations, and an internal disciplinary process is underway. This process will get to the bottom of what happened and why it happened."
However, Ms Mosquito's union Unite rejected PCC Jamieson's comments and criticised him for referencing 'private and confidential' information.
Unite regional officer Caren Evans said: "We strongly refute the allegations in the statement made today regarding Yvonne Mosquito.
"We are appalled that information that should be private and confidential as part of the disciplinary process has been put into the public domain.
"The union will be giving Yvonne all necessary support at this difficult time for her. We will also co-operate fully with any inquiry into Yvonne's alleged conduct."
Ms Mosquito is also a Labour councillor for the Nechells ward on Birmingham City Council. She was born in Balsall Heath and first elected as a councillor to Birmingham City Council in 1996 and has served as an Executive Member of the Birmingham City Council Cabinet, chairman of the Labour Group and Deputy Chief Whip.
She has chaired several committees including: Birmingham City Council's People & Organisation Committee, the West Midlands Immigration Strategic Board, the Social Cultural & Health Board and the Birmingham Housing Benefit Review Board.
Ms Mosquito was formerly vice-chairman of West Midlands Police Authority, where she served on several committees, including as chairman of the personnel committee and vice-chairman of the equalities committee. She also represented West Midlands Police Authority at the national Association of Police Authorities.
