Transparency International PNG has voiced its disagreement on the proposed cash incentives for police officers.
This follows NCD metropolitan superintendent, Perou N’Dranou’s announcement, that officers will get monetary incentive for the number of monthly arrests this year.
In a statement, TIPNG says it is of the strong view that the police hierarchy need to focus on the real issues affecting the force rather than paying incentives to police officers in NCD for something they swore an oath to and are already being paid to do.
“TIPNG is concerned that such a move would increase opportunities for corrupt actions by individual officers tempted towards corruption. The proposed incentive is clearly a double-dipping exercise, at the expense of taxpayers.
“The reported incentive is an impractical short-term solution to a problem that would be prevented if all systems within the police force were diligently adhered to and enforced. Police officers need to be respected, not offered cash inducements to do the work they are alleged to be failing to do.
“TIPNG calls on the leadership of the Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC) to seriously address improving the living conditions of police officers and their families, ensuring their salaries are appropriate to the roles we expect of them and ensuring the Police Code of Ethics, Police Act and laws in general are adhered to.
“This is crucial in nurturing discipline, integrity and professional policing and will restore public trust and confidence in the police force.
“TIPNG also urges citizens to be vigilant, to abide by the laws and comply with traffic rules. Efforts made by the RPNGC to ensure this happens are welcomed.
“TIPNG also encourages citizens to report any police abuse to the RPNGC Internal Affairs Directorate located at Koki, Port Moresby. Citizens who have corruption complaints can call TIPNG’s corruption help desk on toll free phone number 1806000.”
The Police Act can be accessed at http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/pa199875.pdf
TIPNG is further encouraging citizens to stay informed and empowered.
(Filepic of NCD metropolitan superintendent, Perou N’Dranou, and Gordon’s police officers)