37 police pass-outs dismissed

The 37 police pass-outs who were suspended for initiation-like practices in March have been officially dismissed from the Royal PNG Constabulary this morning.

The Bomana Police Commandant, Peter Philip, this morning served the men their ‘Notice to dismiss’ following the disciplinary review process.

However, only 21 pass-outs turned up to the police college while 16 are still at large.

The 37 police pass-outs were detained on March 17th at the Bomana police college after they were caught engaging in drunken initiation-like behaviour.

The drunk pass-outs, who are from the previous batch of recruits, reportedly harassed some of the new recruits, forcing them to strip naked and do knuckle pushups in the pouring rain.

The incident came to light after a family of one of the new recruits flagged the commandant’s office.

The family was reportedly sworn at by some of the drunk pass-outs while they were leaving the college after dropping off their son in the afternoon.

Following this incident, all police uniforms and equipment from the pass-outs were taken away with suspension notices served the following day.

111 charges were given out on March 27th where the pass-outs were briefed by the college sergeant major and executive officer about what is to happen to them.

There are three charges laid to each of the 37 men (totaling 111 charges).

From records, each pass-out will be charged with:

  • Disobeying the commandant’s orders
  • Disgraceful conduct
  • Prejudicial conduct

The commandant explained that after the interviews, the charges were served with all the proof of services endorsed and delivered to the internal affairs unit who carried out the administrative process.

Since then the IAU findings were presented to the police commissioner, who deliberated on the findings and issued a final directive about the outcome of the case.

Meanwhile, Philip says following the dismissal, the college will issue tickets and fly out the men to their respective province of origin.

(File picture of College Commandant, Peter Philip, and the uniforms that were taken from the pass-outs)

Author: 
Julianna Waeda