Australian officers join city operations

 POLICE in the National Capital District launched their Christmas and New Year operations in a joint parade with  their Australian counterparts last Friday.

Metropolitan Superintendant Andy Bawa warned those intending to stir up trouble this festive season that police would be out in force.

Around 100 officers attended a parade at the Boroko Police Station in Port Moresby as Bawa thanked them for their hard work and commitment this year.

“We have restored public confidence to the police, there is an encouraging sign of people reporting complaints to the police, people coming forward to assist police and working with us,” he said.

He said the force had achieved a lot this year through the accomplishment of its missions in relation to major crimes, including the William Kapris case and the G4S robbery.  

Bawa said the lack of logistics, dis­cipline among officers and strong leadership remained the force’s major obstacles.

But he said the force remained focussed on the challenges ahead with four major events looming. They are  the Melanesian Festival of Arts next year, the 2015 Pacific Games, the 2017 General Election and the APEC leaders summit in 2018.

Police, with the help of Australian officers, will stage traffic operations, including roadblocks and carry out foot patrols in Port Moresby.

“I want to warn trouble-makers or those intending to cause trouble in the festive season to be wary. My men will not hesitate to deal with you who want to be a nuisance and a problem in the community,” he said.