Police force

During the gold rush of the 1920s and 30s, in the Mandated Territory of New Guinea, Wau was a thriving town in Morobe.

Tsiamalili said those found guilty for misconduct in the police force will not only be dismissed but arrested and charged with criminal offenses.

He was responding to the recent report regarding the arrest of 116 former police officers last year, where 74 are now facing discipline-related charges.

He said if a member of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary commits a crime, they will be arrested, prosecuted, and subsequently dishonorably discharged from the Force.

The Lihir Mining Area Landowners Association and 114 others filed the case in September 2013 claiming damages.

Only 43 of them who produced evidence in court were granted their claims. They will be receiving payments between K39,000 and K11,000.

The National Court ordered the state to pay them K814, 500 in damages and K71,676 interest. They are to receive a total of K886,176.

This came after he announced the first two quarterly year reports on Friday during a farewell parade at Boroko Police Station.

For the first quarter of the year, reaching back almost three years, 40 discipline charges were reported, which included the current reports.

The second quarter saw the number of charges drop from 40 to 35, relating to discipline.

Turi believes that in the next two quarters, the number would have dropped further.

Of the 75 charges, 15 officers were dismissed; one was a commissioning officer while the rest are from other ranks.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Ben Turi says foot beat patrols will increase police visibility in busy areas, enhance our citizens' feeling of safety, and build bridges between citizens and police.

“Police officer are slacking off and are either sitting in the vehicles or driving around aimlessly,” Turi says.

Turi adds that officers should have knowledge of their area and should knowing shopkeepers and regulars by name now and they are expected to visit businesses along their beat and to interact with citizens.

PNGDF Chief of Staff, Colonel Mark Goina says that this will be to ensure that proper transparent investigations are made into the case and to also address the issue of this being a repeat occurrence of soldiers and police taking to the streets to vent their frustrations over issues of conflict.

Goina says that the PNGDF will ensure that all soldiers implicated in the Manu Auto Port rampage and damaging of police vehicles will  be handed over to police to face the normal process of discipline.

Commissioner of Police Gari Baki told the newly promoted ACPs that within that time frame, they must make their way to become one of the two deputy commissioners of police.

"You can stay at least three terms which is a total of nine years.  And within that time frame, you must vie for one of the two deputy posts. If you can't make it then you must exit and make way for the up and coming officers to be elevated, “ he said.

The National Court decided not to entertain the restraining order against Assistant Commissioner Eluh’s transfer to Rabaul as the NGI Regional Commander.

He was suspended by Mr Baki for not obeying the transfer order.

With the court’s  decision rendered, the disciplinary process will still need to be followed through, the Commissioner said today.

Baki says this means that the initial suspension will still stand while he will be dealt with under the penalties for him disobeying an order for him to be transferred out.

Those who misbehave will be removed from the venues by police, is a stern warning.

Venue commander of Sir John Guise Stadium (SJGS) Chief Superintendent Peter Guinness said so far police had arrested a dozen drunkards this week.

"We have arrested and charged six suspects for getting drunk and trying to enter through the SJGS gates. We want to ensure that the venues are safe and secure during the Games.

"Whoever tries to misbehave will be dealt with," Guinness said.

Those who misbehave will be removed from the venues by police, is a stern warning.

Venue commander of Sir John Guise Stadium (SJGS) Chief Superintendent Peter Guinness said so far police had arrested a dozen drunkards this week.

"We have arrested and charged six suspects for getting drunk and trying to enter through the SJGS gates. We want to ensure that the venues are safe and secure during the Games.

"Whoever tries to misbehave will be dealt with," Guinness said.