Police Commissioner George Jackson last night issued a public apology over allegedly stolen confidential Bermuda Housing Corporation documents.

Kent Police force from the UK are shortly due to arrive on the Island to review and support Bermuda Police Service’s investigation into how the dossier got into the hands of the media, Mr. Jackson said.

He referred to concerns over the “theft” of the files — although in a judgement earlier this week Chief Justice Richard Ground raised questions as to whether they were stolen. Mr. Jackson’s statement says: “I, the Commissioner of Police, would like to apologise to the public for the theft of documents that were a part of Police investigations and the subsequent concerns that have arisen in the community and the service. I abhor the conduct of those that were involved.

“Bermuda Police Service is investigating the theft of confidential documents relating to the BHC and other inquiries.

“The service would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that the Police have operational independence and the command and control of the service is a matter for the Commissioner of Police.”

He described the theft of Police files as a “major breach”, adding: “It erodes the trust the public has delicately placed in the hands of the investigators and we are duty bound to investigate without fear, prejudice or favour.”

On the probe, he said: “We want the public to feel confident that this is a standardised, systematic investigation that is following the normal investigative course which includes pursuing lines of inquiry and interviewing witnesses.

“We are confident that all measures that have been taken by the Police have been appropriate for the circumstances of this case.

“At this juncture, in accordance with established good practice, I have invited a UK Police Force to review the conduct of our investigation and provide assistance and support to our team. Officers from Kent Constabulary will arrive on island in due course.

“I am reiterating that this hits at the very heart of policing and we urge anyone that can provide any information pertaining to this matter to contact Police.”

Earlier this month, The Mid-Ocean News ran a story from a leaked Police dossier centring on allegations of corruption at BHC.

The documents reportedly revealed that Premier Ewart Brown, former Premier Jennifer Smith and former Ministers Renee Webb, Nelson Bascome and Arthur Hodgson were all investigated by Police looking into the BHC allegations.

Jackson sorry about 'theft'