Commanders discuss challenge at meeting

THE first 2022 national election security conference attended by police commanders from around Papua New Guinea ended on Friday.
The week-long gathering was for divisional and provincial commanders and stakeholders to discuss the management of security operations during next year’s general elections.
Deputy Police Commissioner for operations Anton Billie said provincial police commanders (PPCs) had presented their logistical and operational challenges and how they could each be able to deliver a successful election in their respective provinces.
Billie said the second meeting would include officers from PNG Defence Force, the Correctional Services and the PNG Electoral Commission.
He said there would then be two more meetings before the election in June.
Billie also thanked the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for funding the conference.
Police Commissioner David Manning who closed the conference assured his commanders that their points raised would be addressed.
He told them that the police department would ensure its PPCs were given as much support as possible to carry out their election operations.
Comm Manning also urged them to work according to timeframe set with five months to go before the issue of election writ and nominations open on April 14.
He also thank the AFP for its continuous support to the Royal PNG Constabulary.