“The Office of the Police Commissioner will provide civilian oversight of police services on the Island,” said Attorney General Gerard Greenan. “The creation of this new office is an essential component of our new Police Act, and I am very pleased that we are now in a position to begin the selection process.”

The Office will be independent, and will provide an appeal process for a complainant, or a police officer whose conduct is the subject of a complaint, if either is dissatisfied with a decision made by a chief officer. It will also investigate complaints against chief officers and security police officers. However, the Office will not have jurisdiction over the RCMP, which has its own complaints procedure.

“Appointing the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner is an important step towards preparing for the proclamation of the Act,” said Minister Greenan.

The province is currently advertising for both the Police Commissioner and the Deputy Police Commissioner. “It is essential the Commissioner and Deputy be impartial, respected, knowledgeable and highly skilled,” said Gordon Garrison, the Policing Services Manager for the Province.

Applicants must be either a lawyer who has practised at least ten years or a former justice or judge of the Prince Edward Island Court of Appeal, Supreme Court or Provincial Court. The province will be accepting applications until July 3, 2009.