Companies aid police

By PISAI GUMAR
Three companies in Lae have given a Landcruiser troop carrier to boost the mobility of the police task force.
The Structural Bridging Systems (SBS), Ela Motors and the Guard Dog Security presented the vehicle to northern command commander Giossi Labi and Lae metropolitan chief Supt Nema Mondiai at the Ela Motors show room at Milfordhaven yesterday.
The task force now has two troop carriers, one of which is 10 years old.
Last month, the Morobe provincial government donated two troop carriers to police.
One of the vehicles is now being used by Labi.
While urging the police officer’s to take ownership and responsibility in their duties as well as resources, Labi said police were incapable and handicapped in implementing their obligation.
“Our mobility is very poor due to limited manpower and logistical support,” Labi said.
“However, business community began to realise the crucial part the police play in policing and attending to law and order issues in the city,” he said.
“The police task force was the front line men in fighting crime in the city when mobile squads are pulled out anytime for special service duties especially to mine sites,” Mondiai said.
Currently the task force has 14 men.
The city needs at least 30 task force policemen to contain the current increase in crime.
“It comes under Lae metropolitan command, and has since the end of last year, been given a base at the disused 3-Mile police station, to curb the high rate of lawlessness,” Mondiai said.
Ela Motors northern regional manager Roger O’Sullivan said the donation was to help strengthen police mobility in operations especially between Nadzab and Lae city.
“The business houses recognise the need of police currently facing and are happy to assist to maintain public private partner relationships to ensure law and order is minimised for the better of the community,” he said.