Police Board decides all three candidates qualify

The Police Board has decided that all three candidates for the post of Commissioner of Police meet the requirements.

The position of Police Commissioner became vacant when former CP Ali Shujau resigned on April 26. When the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology opened applications for the post, Acting Commissioner Ismail Naveen, Deputy Commissioner Farhad Fikry and South Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Mohamed Shameem applied for the post.

The Police Board has conducted interviews with all three applicants. The Board's observations and marks scored by the candidates have been shared with Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan.

A member of the board told Mihaaru News that the board's decision is all three candidates meet the requirements. They confirmed that marks scored in the interview process has been shared with the minister.

"All three are strong personalities in the Police Service. Hence, they will all meet the requirements. They have the capability and experience," the Board Member said.

As per the law, a Commissioner of Police will be appointed by the President, on the advice of the Minister, based on the Police Board's nominations after they complete interviews and review.

As per the Police Act, a Commissioner has to be appointed within 45 days of the post becoming vacant. This deadline is reached today. Hence, the President must appoint a Commissioner before the end of the day.

Former Commissioner Ali Shujau resigned in the wake of heavy public discontent with Police regarding the investigation into Hawwa Yumn Rasheed's fall from a building. However, Shujau said that he had resigned for personal reasons.

After Shujau's resignation, Deputy Commissioner Farhad was first assigned Acting Commissioner of Police. However, the Ministry reversed the decision within an hour, appointing Deputy Commissioner Naveen instead.