By NALINEE SEELAL Friday, July 24 2009

A LOCAL policeman or woman for the post of Commissioner of Police. This is what president of the Police Service Welfare Association (PSWA) Cpl Emrol Bruce wants as the Police Service Commission (PSC) begins the search for a new top cop.

“Our position has not changed because we believe there are suitably qualified persons within the rank and file of the service who can do a great job as Police Commissioner.”

Bruce said having a foreigner come in to be Commissioner would not alleviate crime.

Newsday was told that three executive members of the Police Service are expected to apply for the post of Police Commissioner. Well placed sources revealed the three will qualify to be among the final five candidates for the post of Commissioner.

Newsday also understands that at least six officers from the rank of Corporal to Inspector are also expected to apply for the job. Some retired police officers have also indicated their intention to apply for the top cop post.

The Police Social and Welfare Association head reiterated the association’s position that it will support a local police officer for the post and believes there are suitably qualified local officers who could assume responsibility for running the Police Service.

On Wednesday, chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Ambassador Christopher Thomas, said that the process for the selection of a new CoP has been initiated. Assistant Commissioer of Police Steven Williams, the officer who was chosen by the PSC last year for the post, said that re-applying for the job was at present the furthest thing from his mind, while Acting Police Commissioner James Philbert said that he had no comment to make on the matter.

Last year, when the PSC selected five persons for the post of Commissioner, three locals were among the five chosen. They were ACP Stephen Williams, Acting Police Commissioner James Philbert and ACP Fitzroy Frederick.

Government rejected Williams for the post and claimed the selection process was flawed.

James Philbert, who was a Deputy Commissioner, was selected to take charge of the Police Service and recently was given an extension in office which ends on December 15 this year.