AFP

AFP Assistant Commissioner Jamie Straus outlined during the 1^st RPNGC 2022 National Election Security Conference today that they will continue to support the RPNGC through the PNG-Australia Partnership.

“I have been briefed on the unique challenges presented by the National Election and the crucial role the Constabulary will perform to support the National Elections,” said Commissioner Strauss.

Commissioner Strauss outlined that the AFP will support the RPNG in;

The Australian Federal Police (AFP), working with Queensland and Victoria Police, Australian Border Force (ABF), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), have

He said people’s interest have not been considered when the then Governor for Morobe Luther Wenge sought legal suit against the Australian police.

Governor Ipatas said the removal of Australian police from the country was only to please few politicians and not the majority of the people.

He said the law and order issue in the country is a concern and must be given priority by the Government.

He urged MPs to support him and recall the Australian police to our country.

“It’s a major concern throughout the country with the recent Mendi incident, the burning down of Kiriwina terminal saga amidst countless cases across the nation that has spiralled out of proportion due to deteriorating Law and Order in our beautiful country,” said Muthuvel.

He said investors’ are losing confidence in PNG because of Law and Order issues while businesses are left with no choice but to spend huge sums of money, hiring private securities for their operations.

“This increases the operating costs and lessens the profit margin for individual businesses.”

Over 100 plus land and sea transport assets including motorcycles, jets skies and a movable command center was presented to the Commissioner for Police and his contingent at the national football stadium.

Under the Policing Partnership Program, this is the first and the biggest assistance that’s been given to the RPNGC by the AFP.

Commissioner for Police, Gari Baki said he is glad that this current phase of the partnership program is engaged heavily in providing assistance and building our capabilities for APEC.

This afternoon they opted to purchase the CCTV for counting in NCD after Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato told them that the use of CCTV was not budgeted for, when responding to their petition.

He also told them that by law, scrutineers were allowed to scrutinize polling and counting.

Central Provincial Police Commander, Laimo Asi, said the Central police staff had previously been using an old building at downtown Port Moresby, whilst the rest was scattered all over the city.

Asi said to bring together and house everyone in one building is the way forward for the police of Central Province.

He thanked the Australian Federal Police for their support in providing the much-needed funding to have these buildings renovated in time for the elections.

This morning saw the graduation of the first Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary motorcade training program at the PNGDF Air Transport Wing in Port Moresby.

AFP Program Manager, Michael Smith said the riders are attached to the RPNGC motorcycle section.

“They ride the motorcycle and we’ve just enhanced their skills and they will be used to assist as the training progresses to help identify riders of motorcycles.

Smith said motor cycles are not very common in PNG so trying to find some depth in skill is quite unique as we’re working together in partnership.

“I want to tell the Australia taxpayers to know that it is a waste of their taxpayers money by having AFP officers here, what advise did they give to PNG Police and what is their role here?” the Opposition MP questioned.   

“AFP have failed their responsibilities.”  

Samb’s comments followed the brutal use of force by local Police last Wednesday on the University of Papua New Guinea students protest.

Many students were injured when police fired canisters of tear gas and live bullets on the students to stop them.