Assistant Commissioners Ismail Naveen and Ali Shujau emerged as the only contenders when the deadline for applying for the post of Police Commissioner passed at 12 pm on Tuesday.
Only two officers applied for the vacant post, the Homeland Security Ministry confirmed, without disclosing their identities. But Adhadhu has learned that they were Naveen and Shujau.
According to the police service law, applications must be sought before appointing a new Commissioner. It is the first time that a police chief would be appointed as such after evaluating the applicants.
The post became vacant after former Police Commissioner Mohamed Hameed retired on November 15. He was the longest serving Police Commissioner after staying in the post for five years.
The Police Board is required to interview and evaluate the competence of applicants for Police Commissioner. Reports about the applicants must also be sought from the National Integrity Commission and the police's Professional Standards Command.
The reports must state whether the person meets the criteria for appointment as Police Commissioner, the extent of the person's integrity, and the reason for rejecting the appointment if there are any reasons.
The Commissioner will be appointed by the President as advised by the Homeland Security Minister from among the nominees evaluated and proposed by the Police Board.
