NEW Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), Mr. Cecil Kennard says his priority will be informing members of the public that they have a right to complain against the Police.

He was sworn-in to the post by President Bharrat Jagdeo just after noon yesterday.

Placing confidence in the former Chancellor of the Judiciary, President Jagdeo said Kennard brings "enthusiasm" to the job and hoped that the public will utilise the authority.

The President said two members to the PCA should be named shortly.

Kennard told reporters after he was sworn-in that many people are not aware that they have the right to complain against the Police and he will undertake countrywide visits to so inform them.

He pledged to execute his duties "impartially," saying that he will be seeking the cooperation of the Police to protect witnesses who feel threatened for coming forward with complaints.

In cases where unlawful killing by the Police is alleged, Kennard said he will be asking for all necessary documents from the Police so that his comments could be taken into account when the matters wind down to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He said that during his tenure as Chairman of the PCA, he will keep his "eyes and ears open" and adopt an "open door" policy so as to perform the functions which were entrusted him effectively.

He also endeavours to quickly fill vacancies at the PCA office, which is currently in need of a legal assistant, an assistant to the legal assistant and an accounts clerk. - (NEIL MARKS)