With the 2017 National General Elections at an end, Lae Police will get back into the business of providing better policing services for residents.
Manpower was stretched during the election period, which has affected general policing but now that it’s over, the normal swing of duties will resume.
Lae Metropolitan Superintendent, Anthony Wagambie Jnr, says Police Station Commanders and Unit Commanders have been directed to step up on proactive policing.
This will include: Stepping up of footbeat patrols, not only at shopping centres and bus stops, but also residential areas and settlements; Advertising of their toll free emergency telephone number; and utilising the FB page so that the public can access information.
"We will be open to the public to give their opinion on how best we can police our City," Wagambie Jnr said.
There are also plans in place to strengthen the Sector Response Unit, who have been performing extremely well since their launching.
"The Unit has made a very big difference since its inception into Lae Metropolitan Command.
Their response time and attendance to incidences has been fast and effective, with more support."
Wagambie adds that they will be working more closely with the community to clamp down on homebrew and illegal drugs manufacturing and sales.
“We will embark on clamping down on un-roadworthy vehicles and drunk and disorderly behaviour by individuals.
“I will be issuing directives for zero tolerance with drunk and disorderly behaviour in public places.”
He said they will be reviewing their partnership with the Lae City Council to ensure that street vending and pick pocketing at shopping centres and bus stops is addressed so that they make these areas safe for the public.
“I would like to assure the populace of Lae City, our business community and investors, that we will do our utmost best to ensure a safer community for all and for Lae Police, I would like us to be more community orientated.”
He adds further that there has been a notable decline in serious crimes in the City, but he still sees there is more room for improvement.
"We cannot do this alone; we (police) need public support.
“I plan to have a public forum in certain parts of the City, with all my senior officers present, so that we can gauge views from the general public in those areas on how best we can provide the policing services they need.
"I would like to see that the name tag 'crime hotspot' becomes something of the past.
"Other projects will be rolled out in the City within the next couple of weeks."