Griffith: Hackshaw's sick leave due to 'serious medical issues'

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith said while he could not divulge the exact nature of ACP Irwin Hackshaw's medical condition, his sick leave was serious enough to warrant his being away from office for months.

Hackshaw is the subject of an internal inquiry into allegations that he acted as a private security consultant while he was also a serving member of the police service He goes on pre-retirement leave on Tuesday.

On Sunday Newsday reported that the investigation involving Hackshaw could not be completed in time as he was away from office for a long period

Speaking with Newsday again on Monday, Griffith said since Hackshaw was previously on vacation, "He has been on sick leave for months now. The matter with Mr Hackshaw – this is not someone going sick because of a regular ailment. What I can say is he had some serious medical matters, some very serious medical issues."

Griffith said the amount of sick leave allowed to officers depends on the nature of their illness or condition.

Newsday also spoke to lead investigator acting DCP Anthony James, who confirmed Hackshaw's sick leave prevented the investigation from being completed.

"Certain parts were completed. However, with respect to the disciplinary part of it, because of his illness –he is not well and as such we cannot go any further with that part.

"His (Hackshaw's) attorneys will be reviewing the matter between today and tomorrow. So we are still awaiting word from them."

On November 17, at a police media briefing, James said he was optimistic he could complete the investigation before Hackshaw retired.

The PCA also found there was a case for Hackshaw to answer in connection with claims that he collected over $2 million from several business people while on vacation on the premise of providing security services. A similar police investigation, by ACP William Nurse, found no evidence to support any offence by Hackshaw.

However, the PCA found sufficient evidence to support a criminal investigation against Hackshaw, who is accused of collecting substantial sums of money from business people which he said were solicited to help offset the costs of official social events for the police.