RVIPF officers who completed first round of promotions along with Commissioner of Police David Morris. Photo Provided

The new promotion process began in March of this year with a total of 89 applications. Fourteen officers applied for the rank of chief inspector, 22 officers for the rank of inspector and 53 for the rank of sergeant.

Six inspectors qualified for promotion based on marks received on a research paper and an interview, while ten sergeants qualified for inspector and 21 constables qualified for promotion to sergeant.

Promoted to the substantive post of Chief Inspector on 1 September were Inspectors Dave Vanterpool, Paula Alleyne and Kenrick Headley. Inspectors Frank Devonish and Dennis Jones will act in the rank of Chief Inspector until the current substantive post holders who are currently on pre-retirement leave retire later this year.

The final successful candidate, Detective Inspector Duncan Williams will act as chief inspector in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department.

In addition, three officers were promoted to the rank of inspector -- Sergeants’ Smyra Brewley, Bill Johnney and Selwyn Rock and seven constables were promoted to the rank of Sergeant --- Constables Saif Kaddoura, Shawn Henry, Dervent Murray, Francia Liburd, Mark Hall, Kevin Joseph and Peterson Jno Lewis.   

A number of vacant specialist posts in the ranks of inspector and sergeant are being advertised internally for officers who are now qualified to apply. 

Acting Commissioner of Police David Morris noted that the process was open, fair and transparent allowing all officers who applied an equal opportunity to qualify and be selected for promotion.

“We needed a policy that could professionalise the whole promotional process and give the needed transparency that all could see. This new policy was developed and overseen by a Promotion Board chaired by the Deputy, and included the Business Support Director, Human Resource Manager, a Superintendent and the Chair of the Police Welfare Association. 

“Officers were consulted through the Police Welfare Association and advice sought from the AG Chambers with final approval for the policy from the Police Service Commission and the Governor. “

The Acting Commissioner said it allowed for many of the issues identified through previous promotion processes to be addressed. He said that he believed most officers were content that the process was fair, without bias or prejudice and those officers who qualified for promotion were selected on competence, knowledge and ability to do the job.