Dear Editor:             

The current occupant of the position of police commissioner, George Quallo, has decided to lay down his heavy burden just some nine months after having ascended to the post of top cop. This somewhat sudden departure and particularly short stint has again resulted in the position of “Chief Constable” becoming vacant for the fifth time in over seven years.

With his departure, Quallo has, inadvertently one would think, turned the spotlight on the role Police Service Commission and its current sitting members.

This commission, comprised of unelected members, is the chief body tasked with the interview and selection of police commissioners and as such, in the view of many, should be held if only to a modicum of accountability for the decisions made.

With recent developments, perhaps it is time we explore a fulsome reform of our national security infrastructure and architecture; included within this reform could be the selection of Police Commissioners by means of the ballot. If commissioners are selected by means of a national election, then the issue of top cops being accountable, directly to the people, the majority of whom now live in fear, would be addressed. Another layer of reform could also see commissioners being given greater roles in setting budgets and operational priorities, further insulating them from “political masters,” it isn’t a novel idea, but it is worth considering.                                                                                                                     

Noel Matherson