The next process to appoint the new Police Commissioner is expected to start soon as the application period for the Commissioner’s post closes today.
It is clear that there will be no automatic renewal of the Police Commissioner’s contract as the position was advertised by the Secretary of the Constitutional Offices Commission and Acting Solicitor General, Sharvada Sharma.
Brigadier General Iowane Naivalurua’s contract expired last month.
ACP Ravi Narayan is the Acting Police Commissioner.
The preferred qualification for the Police Commissioner’s post is that applicants must demonstrate the ability to think strategically and must be conscious of the Fiji Police Force’s role perceived publicly and must be willing to work towards ensuring that the force is recognised as an accountable, transparent and a non-corrupt organisation.
A recognised university degree in a relevant field is desirable.
It also states that under section 129 (6) of the 2013 constitution, the Commissioner is not subject to the direction or control by any other person or authority in relation to those matters, except the Minister responsible for the Police Force, Minister for Defence, who may from time to time issue general policy directions to the Commissioner.
If such a direction has been issued, the Commissioner of Police must act in accordance with it.
According to the constitution, during the transitional period the Prime Minister will recommend the name of the new Police Commissioner to the President for appointment.
Meanwhile, when earlier contacted by Fijivillage on whether ACP Ravi Narayan applied for the post, Narayan refused to say anything.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
