Lupari condemns social media claims

The National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) chair and Chief Secretary to Government has condemned statements on social media regarding the recruitment of expatriates in police training.

Isaac Lupari has expressed appreciation for the recent demonstration of police training that will strengthen police tactical response capability, and has criticised elements on social media who have sought to make misleading comments that are not related to the training demonstration.

Lupari said the National Security Advisory Committee has been briefed by Police Commissioner Gari Baki and will present its recommendations to the National Executive Council.

He said there is no such thing as private army or security operation; these rumours were created by people with a political agenda.

“Following the conclusion of the training demonstration, NSAC has been updated on the effectiveness of the training and the committee is satisfied with the briefing.

“Further matters will now be taken into consideration before advancing options for training packages.”

These include issues such as the scope of proposed training, compliance with the Financial Practices Management Act and required clearances from the United States Government for American citizens.

He said from the demonstration it is clear that deeper training is required to fill a gap in the current tactical response capability of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

“The initial demonstration of training components included a range of capabilities that are required in support of upcoming national events for the protection of foreign dignitaries and officials.

"The proposed training includes tactical planning, and the use of firearms together with less than lethal measures that can be used in the event of a disturbance. We need our police to have a range of capabilities at their disposal that varies according to any threat that they might encounter.”

Lupari said the major events that will take place in Papua New Guinea in the coming years, before and after APEC, require a higher level of tactical response capability than at previous events, adding that the global security environment is changing fast and the Constabulary must keep pace with evolving threats.

Author: 
Annette Kora