Policing chief selection procedure under scrutiny

The procedure being used by the Government to appoint the head of the new independent policing authority is at odds with the systems used for equivalent bodies in Scotland and in the North.

As reported in yesterday’s Irish Examiner, candidates for chairperson of the Policing Authority will not be subject to a formal process of interviews and independent scrutiny by the Public Appointments Service.

The PAS will merely check if candidates — who must apply by next Friday — meet broad criteria before sending their application — a CV and covering letter — to the Government for consideration.