The Government plans to create a new police authority to help set priorities for the service.

The Governor, John Rankin, who delivered proposals for the new session of Parliament, said the Commissioner of Police would keep operational control.

But he added the proposed authority would bring together the Government, Government House, police and laymen to determine policing priorities and the funding required.

The Throne Speech also promised that changes were planned for the Police Complaints Authority, and that a parliamentary committee to investigate the clash between protesters and police on December 2 last year would be set up.

The Police Complaints Authority investigated the disorder in which police used pepper spray on demonstrators and concluded that officers involved did not commit misconduct.

Mr Rankin said: “In the wake of the events of December 2, 2016, this government has determined that a greater balance must be struck in favour of those who rightly question the actions of the police.

“Therefore, during this session, legislation will be introduced to give ordinary citizens greater confidence in the independence of the Police Complaints Authority.

“These amendments will enable truly independent investigations in the case of complaints regarding police conduct.

“The Government will also establish a parliamentary committee to look into the events of December 2 to bring closure to this dark day in our country’s history.”

The Government also announced plans to provide financial support for gang members who want to break away from involvement so they can further their education or learn a trade.

The speech also reiterated promises to decriminalise small amounts of cannabis, develop a strategy to deal with cybercrime, appoint a gang-violence reduction co-ordinator and address drinking and driving by introducing tougher penalties and sobriety checkpoints.