§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what selection criteria are used488W in determining the appointment of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner. [89561]
§ Mr. StrawAn advertisement inviting applications for the post of Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis was placed in the Police Review on 4 and 11 June. The advert invited applications from serving chief constables, equivalent police ranks and above.
Shortlisting and interviews will be conducted in July by a panel chaired by my Permanent Secretary, David Omand and three members: Sir John Quinton, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Committee, Sir Roger Hum, Chairman of GEC and Sylvia Denman CBE, Chair of Camden and Islington Health Authority.
The selection criteria for the new Commissioner will be based on the competency framework which was developed for the selection of chief officers of police in England and Wales using accepted techniques of job analysis. The competencies sought will include: judgment, self confidence, strategic perspective, achievement focus, communication, effective action on diversity, building teams and influencing others, building upon the professional experience of policing that the candidates will have already demonstrated.
I will make the final selection based on the advice of the selection panel. I intend to announce the name of the successful candidate in August or early September this year. The successful applicant will be appointed in good time to replace the existing Commissioner who retires in January 2000. The appointment is expected to be for a term of five years.