Odd Reidar Humlegård made it clear he was only “filling in” when he assumed the top job as state police director last summer, following the dramatic resignation of his predecessor. Now he’s reportedly changed his mind and applied for the post on a permanent basis after all.
Humlegård stressed that his appointment was temporary, ordered by Justice Minister Grete Faremo in the midst of a difficult situation, and that he wanted to return to his job as head of state crime investigation unit Kripos. N0w he’s confirmed that he has formally applied for the police director’s post after all. His application comes after praise from police colleagues for the job he’s already done just in the past three months.
Last week he won loud and long applause at a national meeting of Norway’s major police union (Politiets Fellesforbund), when he addressed employee representatives about how the Norwegian police will be built up again following criticism over the emergency response to last year’s terrorist attacks. Humlegård is highly respected as a leader, for his clarity and for his own professional track record in the police over his lengthy career.
The head of the police union, Arne Johannessen, publicly asked Humlegård to apply for the police director’s job on a permanent basis and Humlegård has, clearly glad for the support he has.
Humlegård is now widely considered to be the top candidate for the job, which Faremo is expected to fill soon.
newsinenglish.no staff
