Watchdog Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) has called on the Police Commissioner, Gari Baki to immediately reopen the National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate.
Chairman of TIPNG, Lawrence Stephens made this call following the locking down of the Fraud office upon directions from the Police Commissioner.
Stephens said Baki should refrain from giving instructions to police officers which would, if obeyed, expose them to the risk of being charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.
"In our role as a civil society organisation dealing with issues of corruption we are aware of the important work of the National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate, the huge case load it is handling and the powers it exercises when deciding to seek court orders.
“We are also aware that the administrative powers of police leadership are very distinct from the obligations of individual police officers to serve the people of PNG," said Stephens
Stephens further pointed out that all police officers are sworn to serve the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and its People and to the Constitution of Papua New Guinea.
He added various court rulings have educated the Police about their obligations in the light of their declaration and the meaning of their powers.
"The National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate is the property of the people of PNG and on behalf of the people we call upon the Police Commissioner rescind the instruction to lock down that office,” said Stephens.
Stephens finished by saying TIPNG is also seeking legal advice in preparation for approaching the courts for rulings on the appropriate response to public displays of efforts to subvert the legal authority of office holders.