The Inspector General of Police has won a legal battle over who has the authority to recruit police officers after the Court of Appeal upheld a High Court ruling placing the mandate under his office.
In a judgment delivered today, the appellate court ruled that the National Police Service Commission’s recruitment powers extend to civilian staff within the service, rather than uniformed police officers.
The judges dismissed the appeals against the High Court decision, drawing a distinction between the commission’s mandate under Article 246(3) and the Inspector General’s independent command under Article 245.
According to the court, civilian staff covered by the commission’s recruitment mandate include personnel performing administrative, technical, medical, accounting, ICT and legal duties.
The judges held that uniformed officers fall under the Inspector General’s command, which the Constitution protects against outside interference in matters concerning their employment, assignment, promotion, suspension or dismissal.
The court further noted that the Cabinet Secretary responsible for police services may give the Inspector General policy directions within the limits set by the Constitution.
The judgment affirms the High Court’s finding that recruitment of uniformed police officers falls under the Inspector General’s authority, settling the dispute in his favour.
