If you're wondering whether maybe we made a mistake about the obviously very young Mr. Cantun's rank as Assistant Commissioner of Police, well we didn't. The 29-year-old Cantun is the youngest person to ever hold the rank as second in charge of the police department. How'd he get the job? Well Cantun is a trained attorney, and in the wisdom of the "higher-ups" that qualified him to become the 5 highest ranking officer in the department, sending him from cadet officer to constable to assistant COMPOL. But while it may be a charming story of unmatched ascension for a young man from Concepcion Village, his unprecedented promotion has created discord in some quarters of the department, particularly among those who've toiled in the trenches for decades. Two months ago, when the promotion was first disclosed, the commissioner justified it.
Jules Vasquez,
Are you concerned that it will create disenfranchisement or dissatisfaction in the lower ranks or even at the higher ranks of the police where somebody so young with so little experience is elevated to such a high post?
Jose Carmen Zetina, Commissioner of Police
"I don't think so you know because what happened in this case Jules is that he will be an Assistant Commissioner, as we said that is the recommendation we are making, supernumerary meaning outside the establishment. He is a police officer and he is our attorney, the legal advisor to the department, and because of that he needs some sort of authority. He will be working directly under the Commissioner and with the full authority of the Commissioner."
Jules Vasquez,
And this is because of his qualification in law?
Jose Carmen Zetina,
"Oh yes because actually he will be our legal advisor as I said and indication to being our legal advisor remember he is a police officer and he now and again has to be exposed to the operations matter but most of the time he will be concentrated on legal affairs."
Jules Vasquez,
Now most people have to work their whole life to reach that post because there is no deputy anymore, Assistant is the second highest post; most people have to work their whole life for. He, because of his special legal qualifications, he does not. Do you see that as unjust? Imagine if you were a senior superintendent.
Jose Carmen Zetina,
"No but we have to recognize and accept that he's legally qualified. He's fully qualified as an attorney right."