Deosaran takes charge of PSC, promises review of CoP's performance

Professor Ramesh Deosaran on Wednesday took the oath of office to become the new chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), replacing Nizam Mohammed whose appointed was rescinded last week over comments about an ethnic imbalance in the police service.

Acting President Timothy Hamel-Smith administered the oath in a brief ceremony, telling Deosaran he has "a heavy weight" on his shoulders as the new chairman of the commission.

Deosaran said he would do his best to execute the mandate of the PSC during his three- year term. He told reporters one of his priorities is to meet Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs to review the commissioner's performance to date. He promised that his motto would be fairness, accountability and results.

Speaking about his plans to meet with Gibbs as early as Monday, Deosaran said he would have several questions for the top cop, including the status of the "civilianisation" of the Police Service.

Deosaran said he wants to find out from Gibbs how successful his 21st century policing is going to be, in terms of results.

The former independent senator said Gibbs would also have to convince the commission that his policing is based on scientific principles driven by hard data with results that will ensure public safety and security.

“He has been here for over six months and he should have prepared a report for the first six months of his service,” Deosaran said. He added that the Police Service “will be facing a new wave of accountability.”

Deosaran said another of his priorities will be to deal with the corrupt officers in the service.