Members of the Lower House on Wednesday passed an amendment to the Police Act CAP.244 which will empower the Commissioner of Police to appoint police officers of or below the rank of police sergeant. The Police Amendment Bill, 2021, presented by Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Dr. the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, seeks to align the act with the Constitution of Grenada. According to Dr. Mitchell, under the existing Police Act of 1966, the Governor General has the authority to grant promotions within the force. The bill therefore seeks to bring the promotion of officers in line with the constitution, which gives power to the Commissioner to award promotions up to the rank of Sergeant. The Public Service Commission is responsible for the promotion of other officers. Dr. Mitchell said, “The Commissioner of Police can then decide how he proceeds to deal with these promotions. He may appoint a committee within the law that can advise and deal with promotions, and the examination that will be utilised.” Legal Affairs Minister, Hon. Kindra Maturine Stewart, standing in support of the bill, emphasised the urgency in passing and adopting new legislation to guide the promotion process, which according to her, will provide more structure in the judicial system when dealing with such matters. She said over the years, the office of the Ombudsman and the Ministry of Legal Affairs, have been mediating on matters which question the procedures and process of promotion.