Top COP may get 11th extension

On May 1, the commissioner was granted his tenth extension by the Police Service Commission (PSC) and that six-month extension will end on October 31.

Sources revealed that although a firm had been appointed to oversee the selection of a new Commissioner of Police, the process, which was expected to take at least four months, might not be completed by that time, therefore, paving a way for the commissioner to receive his 11th extension.

Yesterday, chairman of the PSC Dr Maria Therese Gomes could not say if an 11th extension would be granted.

She added that the firm overseeing the recruitment for new CoP is working closely with the PSC and that the vacancy should be advertised shortly.

Last Friday, it was announced that auditing firm KPMG was awarded the contract to assist the PSC in the recruitment and selection of a new police commissioner and deputies.

The press release noted that the PSC took the decision on July 20 as the body met to discuss the implementation of the project.

“The recruitment phase of the project is expected to take four months to complete with the firm providing support to the commission in designing and managing the advertising, application and assessment processes so as to ensure that the TT Police Service has the leadership it requires to meet the needs of the organisation and to satisfy the requirements of safety and security for all of TT now and into the future,” the release said.

The appointment comes two months after Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams was given a tenth six-month extension in his post, which he acquired after the resignation of Canadian Dwayne Gibbs in 2013.

In 2015, the Government introduced the Police (Selection Process) Order of 2015 in an effort to assist the PSC in hiring another firm to address the issue of the long-standing vacancies.

The order contained a provision requiring the Minister of National Security to initiate the recruitment procedure and another compelling the PSC to utilise State-owned procurement company, Nipdec, to select a local recruitment agency that would then be contracted to assist in the selection process.

However, the order was challenged by the Opposition, who claimed that it was unconstitutional as it infringed on the powers of the PSC, which has the exclusive remit of recruiting prospective candidates for the positions.

Newsday understands that the Acting CoP is expected to apply for the post of commissioner when it is advertised.

Former minister of National Security Gary Griffith has already stated publicly that he may consider applying for the post.

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"Top COP may get 11th extension"

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