Former head of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Prof Ramesh Deosaran says it would be good if a local person could be found with the required competence, experience, integrity and professional knowledge to be appointed as commissioner of police.
If, however, a suitable local candidate were not found, then the Government would have to reconsider, he added.
He said T&T needed to come to terms with what its independence was all about, one imperative being that its “sensitive public institutions” should be governed by its own citizens.
“How long would we depend on others from outside to do the work that we should be able to do, especially with a responsibility like policing and national security?” he asked.
He said it was the Parliament that decided on the appointment of a CoP or deputy and that the PSC merely followed the parliament’s orders, making it a “political appointment.”
But Deosaran also questioned whether the PSC was fading into irrelevance since a local firm would be hired to advertise and screen applicants.
“Wouldn’t it be more efficient, cost-saving and constitutionally proper to have the PSC appropriately staffed to do this?”
Deosaran was responding to questions over Thursday’s announcement that Cabinet had approved a new order changing the process for the appointment of a CoP.
He said changes were urgently needed to the framework and process of appointing and overseeing the CoP.
He said it was commendable that the Government, in keeping with its promise, was taking action to improve the situation.
“These changes should be both constitutional and administrative if we wish to have a more expeditious, cost-effective and streamlined process.”
He said while there was public focus on the appointment of a top cop, it should be noted that three deputies have also been acting in an “in and out” fashion with domino-like career effects on the lower ranks.
Once certified and fleshed out, the cabinet note should be published for public consideration and suggestions before being sent to Parliament, he added.
“We should try not to repeat the mistakes of the past. For this reform exercise, building consensus is critical.”
Deosaran said the cabinet note, after proper certification, would have to be configured for parliamentary consideration.
According to him, it was still uncertain whether the Government would bring the reforms as a bill, a motion or whether it would require a special majority as the previous reform exercise required.
“That is why it may be in the government’s best interest to publish its intention for public feedback and national consensus.
“Further, we are yet to know the extent to which the intended reforms will increase or reduce the existing constitutional powers of the Police Commissioner or the PSC, or is it going to tackle only the question of advertising, interviewing by a hired firm and recommending to the commission for consequent passage to the President and Parliament?”
