Baki on arrests processes and procedures

Police Commissioner Gari Baki has warned police personnel to follow the proper processes and procedures when detaining suspects.

Commissioner Baki told LOOP News he has received complaints about police unlawfully detaining individuals against their rights.

Baki says that police cannot hold anyone without a proper charge for over 48 hours, after this duration the detainment becomes unlawful.

He says that it is a breach of a person’s civil liberties and that he will direct his command to ensure that all personnel comply with this or face disciplinary action.

There has been numerous cases of individuals being detained for weeks and even months without proper charges which was evident in the heart of the nation’s capital during this year’s massive break out of detainees at the Boroko cells.

On March 23rd 33 detainees walked out of the cells many of whom were not properly charged and some were not listed in the cell log book

Loop PNG found that some of them were detained for durations lasting from two weeks to two months in the cells.

Meanwhile, the new NCD Metropolitan Commander, Chief Inspector Ben Turi promises these issues will be addressed and processes and procedure will be strengthened.

     

Author: 
Julianna Waeda