With Acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie set to proceed on his pre-retirement leave this month, the search is set to begin for a new Commissioner of Police.

The next senior rank is Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Williams, however, since the PPP Civic Government took office, two other senior officers have also been acting as Deputy Police Commissioners.

But their substantive ranks are below that of Deputy Commissioner Williams.

A Commissioner of Police is appointed by the President following meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission in keeping with the Constitution.

In an interview with News Source, President Irfaan Ali said he intends to follow the constitutional requirements governing the appointment of the Commissioner of Police.

“The process is in accordance with the Constitution, When the time comes for an appointment of Commissioner of Police, that process will be followed as defined by the Constitution. There is no need for second-guessing. When the time comes for an appointment, the process established by the Constitution will be followed. Don’t worry about it”, the President assured.

The President had come under criticism from the Chairman of the last Police Service Commission, Paul Slowe, who accused the President of attempting to influence the work of the Commission by requesting the promotion of specific ranks of the Police Force.

Slowe and the members of the last Police Service Commission were suspended until the life of the Commission ended last year.

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