New Year operations

Road blocks and police check points were set up by police right across the city’s major peak zones.

Speaking to this newsroom, officers on duty said they noted a smooth check and pass for most vehicles in and around the Port Moresby North East electorate.

The same was reported for Badili and the Town in the Port Moresby South electorate.

In a report, paramedics responded to numerous alcohol fueled incidents of violence, including people with stab wounds.

The peak period was between 12: 30am and 2am this morning.

Over 26 ambulance officers, paramedics and emergency nurses were on duty last night operating seven ambulance vehicles and a clinic.

According to St John Ambulance, Chief Officer, Matthew Cannon, despite some isolated incidents of violence, the large majority of people welcomed in the New Year sensibly.

Personnel there are tasked to carry out patrols as well as support with numerous road checks around the Badili, Burns peak and Kanudi areas.

Town police station commander, Ben Levi said that his personnel were ready to bring in the New Year and encouraged members of the community to celebrate within the confines of the law.

PSC Levi says that one challenge his personnel is having is the scope of his prescient which runs from Koki to Koko and at times even the Napanapa area as it encroaches onto his area of operations.

There are road blocks set up at strategic locations through-out the city with personnel tasked to check on drivers and occupants to ensure that all road rules and regulations are followed.

Our newsroom is part of the media contingent that will be touring the city with police personnel as part of the NCD Metropolitan police commands efforts to create an inclusive coverage of all police operations through-out the city.

Police personnel are stationed at all three electorates.

TV Wan and Loop PNG crew made a round trip around the city and noted a smooth operation of vehicle checks of motorists by police.

So far, the city is seen to have a quiet atmosphere but is expected to pick up in the hours leading up into the New Year.

Nothing major reported at this time according to police.

Watch this site for more updates of the New Year security operations in NCD.

Motorists are warned not to break traffic rules and are urged to stop for vehicle checks at designated road blocks that will be conducted by on duty police personnel at night.

Police discourage the habit of drinking and anyone found or caught in the act will be charged and arrested.

Festivities are to be celebrated indoors for safety reason and parents are being urged not to indulge too much and keep tabs of their children during the celebration to avoid incidents of sexual assaults and reports.