Junior cops ‘seek say’ on chief choice

Junior police officers have suggested they should have a say in the selection of the national police chief, according to the police reform committee.

The idea that the entire police force votes to select its own chief is part of recent input gathered by the police reform committee’s sub-panel on social communication.

Manit Suksomjit, a member of the police reform committee, said the proposal is based on the results of opinion surveys of 5,700 policemen conducted at public hearings across the country.

The selection of the national police chief is a key issue in the area of police reform. Currently the Police Commission nominates a police chief and forwards the nomination to the Royal Thai Police (RTP) board for approval.

Since the RTP board comprises politicians and is chaired by the prime minister, one of several proposals on choosing the police chief which seeks to exclude the RTP board from the selection process to prevent political interference.

Mr Manit said the police have also called for mechanisms to ensure that transfers and appointments are merit-based and are free of nepotism and favouritism.

The police have also expressed concerns about public trust and has urged the reform committee to come up with measures to regain public confidence.

Meanwhile, national police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda yesterday set down a list of policy priorities to 469 senior police officers, asking them to adhere to it.

Gen Chakthip, who has just begun his third year as police chief, said pushing for police reform is among his aims.

He said police reform should focus on improving skills and strengthening coordination and efficiency in tackling international crime syndicates.

Speaking to reporters, Pol Gen Chakthip said the RTP was carrying out reforms in line with the framework set by the new charter.

He said while he is not opposed to reform proposals floated by the police reform committee, he doubts whether some, including the jurisdictional transfer of certain tasks, can be implemented effectively.

“We’re not opposed to it, but we aren’t sure if other agencies are ready to take over the work,” he said.

Earlier, the police reform committee said it was considering whether 11 units currently attached to the RTP — such as the traffic and railway police, as well as the Immigration Bureau — could be transferred to other state agencies with responsibilities in similar fields.