How to select an IGP and win back trust

 

From P Sundramoorthy

The minister of home affairs must seriously consider establishing a search committee to identify potential candidates for the position of the Inspector-General of Police. Over the past several decades, there has been much criticism about the process of appointing the IGP.

Some say that the process has not been transparent and has created unease among officers who feel they are qualified but were not considered for the post.

Thus, the authorities must address the need for establishing a credible, transparent, accountable and trustworthy search committee to shortlist qualified candidates for the position. This committee should consist of a group of highly respected professionals and community leaders who can also engage the public for feedback.

I propose that this committee be chaired by a retired chief justice and consist of nine members made up of professionals, academicians, community leaders (non-political) and a retired senior police officer with the rank of commissioner and above.

As for its operations, it must first engage with the public and other stakeholders to identify and set parameters for the search. Following this, it should proceed to identify and interview prospective candidates and shortlist three most qualified candidates to be submitted to the government for it to choose the best.

Only those in the police force with the rank of commissioner and above should be made eligible to apply.

The term of an IGP must not be for more than three years. At the end of this period, the post must be vacated. New applications must be called a few months before, to pick the new IGP. Incumbents should also be allowed to apply meaning that there will be no automatic extension at the end of their terms.

The setting up of an independent search committee to shortlist and select the IGP is a critical step in achieving police reforms, public confidence and improving the image of our police force.

As we know, investing in public safety and achieving the needed police reforms will depend a lot on a committed and visionary leadership. Thus, the search committee will play a key role in helping to bring new standards of accountability and oversight to policing and enhance public safety for all citizens and residents.

Most importantly, publicly selecting the most qualified candidate as IGP would in turn build societal trust and confidence towards the police force which is lacking to an extent currently.

It is pertinent to remind here that the home minister must remain neutral and only function in an advisory role until the candidates are finalised.

We must realise that the choice of the IGP is a decision of great consequence on public safety and the wellbeing of our citizens and residents.

If this method is successful, the concept of a search committee can be extended to the selection of other eminent positions such as the chief secretary to the government, attorney-general, chief of defence and auditor-general. - FMT

P Sundramoorthy is a criminologist at the Centre for Policy Research and International Studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.