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Strange goings on as search begins for new Commissioner of Police
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With the present incumbent leaving the post in early April, a selection process is now afoot to select a new Commissioner of Police.
There are two superintendents who have undertaken the command course, a prerequisite to hold the post. They are Deputy Commissioner Jim McKay and Louis Wink.
After the appointment of Mr Ullger as Commissioner in December 2001, Mr McKay was promoted to Deputy Commissioner and Mr Wink to Superintendent.
Yesterday, The Convent issued a press release about the selection process; last Friday they issued an advertisement about it.
However, within minutes of the advertisement being issued, there was a request to the media that it should not be published and to await new instructions on Monday.
But what strange goings on: When Monday came, the advertisement was withdrawn - and a press release issued in its place. A story on the advertisement appeared on GBC last Friday and yesterday.
According to the press release, the Governor has begun the process to recruit a new Commissioner of Police. The position becomes vacant on the retirement of Joe Ullger in early April.
The press release adds: "The Commissioner is responsible for ensuring an efficient and effective police service for Gibraltar. The Governor aims to appoint someone with the personal qualities required to lead the Royal Gibraltar Police through a period of great change and challenge."
It is not specified what is the "great change and challenge" that is expected.
Meanwhile, it adds that interviews for the position will be held in Gibraltar in early February by a Board appointed by the Governor to advise him on the selection. The Board will be chaired by Sir Ronnie Flanagan, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary.
This would imply that the new Commissioner will be selected from within the RGP, although it does not say so.
The two officers within the force who have undertaken the Command course will be able to stand as candidates.
The earlier advertisement, which was aired on GBC, had opened the vacancy to anyone wishing to apply, by writing to The Convent not later than 19 January. They would then be sent an application pack for completion.
The advertisement had also stated that applications were invited from suitably qualified individuals with relevant experience for the position, who must be resident in Gibraltar.
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