Hicken has the experience to lead the Police Force – Outgoing Top Cop

Outgoing Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie has thrown his full support behind the appointment of Clifton Hicken as the next leader of the force.

Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday named Hicken as the Police Commissioner (ag), effectively replacing Hoppie who proceeds on retirement leave.

Hoppie, during an interview with the News Room on Tuesday, said that Hicken has developed the experience necessary to take the police force to the next level.

“He has developed over the years the experience necessary to lead an organisation and he would have commanded several divisions, including the Operations Department and have positioned himself to become the leader of the organisation,” Hoppie told the News Room.

The outgoing Top Cop also believes that Hicken has the respect and support of other senior and junior ranks.

“He has the requisite experience. I think with his experience, the other members of the force respect his ability as an experienced individual in the organisation,” Hoppie said.

The senior cop also urged the force to ensure they continue to act in a professional manner under the leadership of Hicken.

“As members of the force, we need to ensure we work in unison to achieve the organisation’s goal so we should stay focused with our motto of service and protection and also maintain professionalism in the execution of our duties.”

Hicken will assume his new duties on March 30, 2022.

Prior to the appointment, Hicken was performing the duties of Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and was in charge of operations.

Hicken was seconded to the Department of Citizenship in 2019 by the previous A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government.

He became a household name during his reign as Commander of A and B Divisions.

Meanwhile, Hoppie was appointed in August 2020 and remained acting in the position until his retirement this month.