Police Headquarters in Floriana.

The selection board to analyse and shortlist 19 applications received from people vying to become the first CEO of the Malta Police Force is yet to be set up, the Times of Malta has learnt.

A month has elapsed since the deadline for the receipt of applications but there is no date yet by when the new CEO will be chosen and there is no one to process the applications.

In replies to questions sent by this newspaper, a spokeswoman for the Home Affairs Minister said “the selection board will be announced shortly”.

No replies were forthcoming to questions on a timeline for the new chief executive to assume the position. The call closed on July 15.

The new chief executive is expected to take over the administration aspect of the police force, reporting directly to the new Police Commissioner, Laurence Cutajar.

When the police issued the call for the CEO position, it was unclear what credentials or past experience were required.

There was neither any mention of specific academic qualifications, nor whether applicants needed to have served in the police force or held any other civil service post or managerial position.

The call simply said that “due consideration” would be given to applicants having relevant work experience or qualifications. However, it did not specify what these qualifications should be and what type of experience would be considered relevant.

Applicants, said the call, should have “leadership skills” and be able to motivate the entire police force.

Twelve eligibility requirements are listed in all, including that the applicant must be a Maltese citizen and be able to communicate in both Maltese and English. Applicants will also have to prove that they are of good conduct.

The call for applications says the position will require the selected candidate to manage financial and administrative matters, human resources management, corporate branding, and ICT and automation.

The selected candidate, who will be offered a definite three-year contract and receive an annual salary of €55,000 plus allowances, will have a direct say over tendering processes and police contracts.