CS allocates K500,000 for training recruits

Correctional Services has allocated K500,000 for training recruits in April.
PNG Correctional Services commissioner Stephen Pokanis said their training programme had three components – officer training; cadet training at the Joint Forces College; and, a programme for CS officers attending college or tertiary institutions.
Pokanis said this did not cover external exchange training programmes with other countries.
He said the number of recruits taken in would depend on the budget allocated for training this year.
Pokanis said CS required recruits to have certain attributes and qualities, adding that applicants needed to be 26 years old and above because the service wanted individuals with a level of maturity and experience in dealing with and managing adult and juvenile detainees.
He said all recruits would have six months training and a 12-month probationary period of employment.
“Young people with no people-experience will not have the competency level to manage juveniles and adult detainees, they have to build their competency level.”
Pokanis said other factors to be considered for recruitment were educational qualifications (secondary to tertiary and technical levels), trade personnel, nurses and social workers.
The funds will cover tuition, materials (text books), meals, uniforms, training gear and an allowance.
Pokanis said once the funds were received, CS would start training recruits.
He said CS was also considering expanding training to allow officers from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands to be trained at their college.
He said the PNGCS had established dialogue with its counterparts in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.