Cops told to abide by code of conduct

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
THE PNG Constabulary is no place for police personnel who work for politicians or who chose to get drunk during working hours.
That was the message sent out after 18 members of the Port Moresby police sector patrol were suspended for working for politicians and businessmen and drinking alcohol during official hours in the last three months, in violation of the constabulary’s code of conduct and by-laws.
This was revealed by Port Moresby sector patrol commander senior Insp Ben Turi yesterday.
“They were charged and suspended on disciplinary grounds without pay for being absent without leave (AWOL) during official hours when they chose to become private security guards for politicians and businessmen,” Insp Turi said.
“They were also drinking alcohol during official hours.
“And I’m warning those who are taking the force as a free ride to pursue their own interests. You know who you are, and come 2008, you have to change and start serving the force as the force could not afford rotten apples poisoning the system.”
Insp Turi was speaking during a police end-of-year parade at Waigani police station.
He revealed that since taking over last Sept 1, he had discovered that there was no control in sectors of the force.
“Team leaders and supervisors were not displaying their leadership and were working in isolation from junior members. There is no respect and shift members were doing things on their own without supervision.”
There are about 100 members with the sector patrol.
Asked to comment on this yesterday, Police Commissioner Gari Baki said members of the Port Moresby metropolitan command were the worst in working as private security guards with politicians and businessmen during official hours.
“They go on AWOL or they report on duty and then they are seen becoming security guards with politicians and other interested people,” Mr Baki said.
“We have special members of the force who are assigned to protect politicians under my orders. It is illegal for anyone to work with politicians outside of this.”
He added that commanders were responsible for discipline among their members.
“You are either in command or you are not. Remember, if policemen within your command don’t perform, I will hold you responsible. It is that simple,” he warned.
“There is a correlation between sloppy, undisciplined, abusive and uncommitted policemen and high crime rate. I want committed team players and smart managers.
“These are the people who would help to reshape this organisation into a professional, effective and efficient organisation committed to securing a safer and peaceful Papua New Guinea.”