Minister rejects warning over Vanuatu police recruitment plan

Vanuatu's police minister, Andrew Napuat, has rejected a warning that changing the Police Act would allow political interference in the selection of new recruits.

The acting Police Commissioner, Willie Ben Kalo, is against a proposal to replace the police commissioner in the recruitment process with an independent body.

He said it would provide a platform for greater political influence.

But Mr Napuat said the Public Service Commission would select a recruitment committee consisting of a member of the police human resources department, a member of the Police Service Commission, a representative of the Department of Local Authorities and the director of the Police College.

There would be no politicians on the committee, ensuring people from all six provinces of the country are considered for recruitment, he said.