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Defenders of the oppressed
Newly graduated police officers face the challenge to rebuild
the reputation of the force and regain the trust of ordinary law
abiding citizens. SHEILA LASIBORI reports.
The sun was relentless, the heat stifling. But these discomforts
had no effect on the 100 people dressed in long sleeved blue
uniforms in a parade at the Bomana police college, outside Port
Moresby last Friday. This was graduation day.
The probational constables with determination on their faces
braved the heat as they stood on parade. Families, friends,
colleagues and dignitaries were there to witness and share the
moment of pride with them.
The parade was excellent as the officers under the leadership of
parade commander Superintendent Michael Chare and their respective
squad commanders, marched on executing every drill of the march -
the crowd showed their appreciation and approval with cheers and
clapping of hands.
Parade colours and the days activities were photographed and will
be kept as memories in family albums as the officers now face a
very challenging 18-month probation period.
Some of the officers will end their dreams to become police
officers at the end of the 18 months while others will start their
career in the Police Force as Constables and face the reality of
performing the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcer.
"You are the beacon of light in the night for the weary traveler.
You are the defender of the oppressed and abused. You are the
protector of the defenseless," Governor General Sir Paulias Matane
said to the
graduands.
"We will carry out our duties with integrity and honesty and will
at all times make every effort to respect the rights of all people
in the community regardless of colour, social status or religion.
We will enforce the law justly without fear, favor, malice or ill
will," the recruits in unison recited our loud the Police Code of
Ethics before God, their superiors and their families.
As of late this line of the Police Code of Ethics, it seems by its
non-practice, has raised a lot of eyebrows within the civil
society. Its ignorance by some police officers throughout the
country has tarnished the image of the Police Force over the
years.
The 100 probational officers are intake one of 2006 recruited on
July 10 last year, after a six-year lapse in the recruitment
exercise of the Police Force.
Police Commissioner Gari Baki says the recruitment is a break
through at a time the Constabulary was going through a lot of
changes.
"It is important for new officers coming up to see the principles
of discipline," he said adding another lot will be recruited
towards the end of this year and another two more to follow.
The 18-month probation period will see the officers undergo the
Competency Acquisition Program (CAP) which is basically for self
progress.
Those who pass CAP will successfully be elevated in their rank to
Constables while those who do not make it, will be recommended for
termination.
Sir Paulias, a writer of so many books imparted words of wisdom,
discipline and commitment to the officers.
"Take heart, be strong and remain steadfast in your beliefs. The
people of Papua New Guinea expect more from you, more than you can
ever give at times, but give your best for that is all we are
asking.
"Remain focused on preventing and reducing crime and disorder. Be
more responsive to the needs of the people...above all excel to
become servants and protectors of the community you have now sworn
to protect and serve," he said.
And they responded, "We have a duty to our country and to our
Police Force to serve the community by protecting life and
property, preserving the peace and detecting and apprehending the
offenders."
But the greatest challenge that the officers now face is to
re-build the reputation of the Police Force and regain the trust
of ordinary law abiding Papua New Guineans.
"I am sad that over the years many policemen and woman have
forgotten their fundamental roles and responsibilities in
protecting and serving each and every citizen of Papua New
Guinea...instead at worst a good number of our citizens have been
verbally and physically abused and assaulted by members of the
Police Service," Sir Paulias told the graduates.
"I am appealing to you all, the new recruits not to go out and
just be one of them but to stand out and make a difference."
He continued that instead of the Constabulary protecting and
serving the community, it was being seen more as a threat to "our
very security."
But a pat on the back for a job well done should go to the
majority of the policemen and women who have laid down their lives
to serve Papua New Guinea since the day they joined the Police
Force.
Even those who have left the force through resignation, retirement
or lost their lives while on duty and through natural causes.
As a result there has been a decline in manpower in the force over
the years and the new recruits are expected to fill in these gaps
but at a standard that is outlined in the Police Code of Ethics
and enshrined in the National Constitution.
The graduation also saw the presentation of special awards to the
top intakes from the four squads of Intake One of 2006.
Son of a police officer Justine Osil from Esenda Bush Karinz
village in Southern Highlands Province took out the dux of Squad
One, while dux of Squad Three went to a father of one, Michael
Anefa from Nonambaro village in Eastern Highlands Province.
Gavin Garu, from Yameyame village in Ialibu district of Southern
Highlands took out the dux for Squad Four, while the overall award
for the top recruit for Intake One and dux of Squad Two went to
Margaren Levi, a mother of two from Yogomi village in the Rai
Coast District of Madang. The drill trophy was won by Squad One.
The parade was hosted by Mr Baki and reviewed by Sir Paulias.
Some of the dignitaries who attended included Solomon Islands High
Commissioner to PNG Bernard Bata'anisia, Fiji High Commissioner
Ratu Isoa Tikoca, an instrumental former Police Minister and
current Justice Minister Bire Kimisopa, former Police Commissioner
Sam Inguba, Defence Force chief of personnel Paul Mai,
representatives from the Correctional Service (CS), regional
police commanders and senior officers from police, PNGDF and CS.
 
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