A Niue MP says the country is not ready for a local to head the police force.
The comment precedes the expiry of the term of the current chief of police, who is from New Zealand, and follows a spate of crimes in Hikutavake.
Of three arsons in the village in December, one remains unsolved, despite police posting a reward of almost 8,000 US dollars.
Terry Coe says connections with the small community make policing difficult and the force needs to be run by a senior person from overseas.
"You probably need better selection criteria for any of the expats, that you do get the best people and not just people that sit behind the computer and are reluctant to get out and do the practical work."
Terry Coe says the police chief should also have a deputy from overseas and trainee officers should be required to pass the New Zealand police college course.
