Civilians, officers clash with Commission over online recruitment proposal

The Police Service Commission, tasked with reforming the process, found itself under intense scrutiny from both civilians and serving officers, with many expressing concerns that the proposed system could disadvantage candidates from marginalized communities.

At the center of the discussion is a draft policy that outlines a three-phase recruitment process: an initial online application, followed by physical assessment and document verification, and finally, medical evaluation before training.

The commission has defended the plan, saying it has taken steps to safeguard opportunities for 29 marginalized communities.

However, the online application requirement drew immediate resistance, with participants citing issues of accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity. Residents argued that many rural applicants lack reliable internet access or the means to navigate an online system, while some officers cautioned that over-reliance on technology could create systemic barriers.

One officer warned that the approach risked “creating a monster” and urged the commission to maintain a manual application option alongside the digital process.

Critics also questioned whether the new process addresses existing imbalances within the service.

Serving officers pointed out that there are already thousands of graduates in the force whose career progression has stalled, yet the new guidelines appear to prioritize fresh graduates with no policing experience. Others argued that only those with paramilitary training should be involved in recruiting future officers.

On the issue of affirmative action, the commission said the system allows for flexibility — for example, lowering academic requirements in areas that do not meet the minimum threshold.

It also assured participants that any candidate disqualified on medical grounds would be replaced by another applicant from the same constituency.