Detective accused of tampering with exhibits facing disciplinary action

AN internal affairs detective is facing disciplinary action for allegedly tampering with court exhibits in the investigation of three policemen in Daru, Western, Border Commander and acting Asst Comm of Police (ACP) Peter Philip says.
Acting ACP Philip said the detective had been accused of driving a police vehicle that was damaged by three policemen.
“This vehicle is now a court exhibit as the policemen are now under investigation by internal affairs for crashing the vehicle on March 21,” he said.
“The detective, who is also the case officer, drove the vehicle which was impounded at the Daru Police Station. Such behaviour is unacceptable as internal affairs detectives are key members of the Royal PNG Police Constabulary in maintaining discipline among the rank and file.”
Acting ACP Philip said the detectives’ actions had potentially compromised the investigation.
“The three policemen had gone on a drinking spree last weekend and damaged a brand new police vehicle donated,” he said.
“They acted without the approval of their supervisor on Friday, March 19, and continued until the next day.
“They then went into the town firing shots and terrorising the public. They still continued throughout the night and into the next day.
“Then, on Sunday (March 21) night at about 8pm, they crashed the car.
“During the crash, they sustained injuries and were admitted at the Daru General Hospital while leaving full beer bottles in the crashed vehicle. They were treated and released from the hospital.”