Police engage civil servants in election operation

National

DUE to manpower shortage with police in East New Britain, arrangements are now in place for public servants to be engaged to assist in providing security.
Acting police commander, senior inspector Joe Tabali said 143 people were selected to assist police in the coming national election.
The applicants include 60 public servants and 76 former police, defence force and correctional service officers and former police reservists.
He said they will beef up the current police manpower in the province during the election period.
The officers will go through a two-week reserve training in the province next month.
After the training is completed, Police Commissioner Gary Baki will be signing legislative instruments to gazette the selected men and women as special constables only during the election period.
Tabali said their special constable powers will be revoked after the election.
He commended the administrator, Wilson Matava for allowing the 60 public servants to assist police during the election.