Interviews for new Police Commissioner underway

Interviews for the new Police Commissioner's post are underway before the successful applicant is announced.

The position was advertised by the Secretary of the Constitutional Offices Commission and Acting Solicitor General, Sharvada Sharma.

This follows the expiry of Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua's contract in September.

When contacted today, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Constitutional Offices Commission, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said that the appointment will be made after the interviews are completed. 

ACP Ravi Narayan is the current Acting Police Commissioner. 

He has refused to comment on whether he has applied for the position.

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.

Higher qualifications would be an added advantage according to the vacancy that was advertised.

 

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 Defense, 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.