Twelve persons who applied to become investigators at the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) will today be interviewed by a five-member committee, PCA Chairman retired Justice Cecil Kennard disclosed yesterday.
Kennard told Stabroek News that it is hoped that at the end of the process four investigators will be chosen. They will make up the investigative arm of the PCA to enable the agency to conduct investigations independent of the police force.
According to Kennard all the applicants are locals, with one having overseas experience. In addition to Kennard, Director of Public Prosecu-tions Shalimar Ali-Hack is also a member of the committee.
The interviews will be held at the Ministry of Home Affairs this afternoon.
About a month after Cabinet granted approval has been given for the establishment of an investigative arm of the (PCA), the ministry last month advertised for investigators.
According to an advertisement in the Guyana Chronicle, the ministry said that the sleuths will be required to assist in taking complaints, investigating complaints and to submit statements taken and prepare reports for the Chairman of the PCA.
Applicants were required to have at least seven years of experience in investigating criminal matters, particularly experience in the Criminal Investigation Department of the Guyana Police Force.
The assignment of an investigative arm to the PCA was one of the recommendations that arose from the Disciplined Forces Commission report, roughly ten years ago.
Since its establishment more than two decades ago, the PCA has had to rely on the police to probe complaints against their fellow policemen and women and this had been deemed as unacceptable.
