22Appointments to be on probation

22  Appointments to be on probation

 (1) Unless the relevant authority, in a particular case, otherwise directs, the appointment of every officer shall be on probation for a period of six months commencing on the date on which the officer commences duties in pursuance of his appointment.

 (2) A person appointed as an officer on probation remains a probationer until his appointment is confirmed or terminated in accordance with this section.

 (3) The relevant authority may, at any time during the period of six months, terminate the appointment.

 (4) As soon as practicable after the expiration of the period of six months, the relevant authority shall:

 (a) confirm the appointment;

 (b) terminate the appointment; or

 (c) direct that the probationer continue on probation for such further period (not being a period exceeding six months) as the relevant authority thinks fit.

 (5) Where the relevant authority directs that a probationer continue on probation for a further period, he may confirm or terminate the appointment of the probationer at any time during that further period and, if he has not confirmed or terminated the appointment before the expiration of that period, shall do so as soon as practicable after the expiration of that period.

 (6) Where the appointment of a probationer is terminated, the relevant authority shall notify the probationer in writing of the reasons for the termination.