ESP police told to act without fear, intimidation

By GABRIEL FITO
POLICE in East Sepik province have been urged to deliver effective services without threat, fear or intimidation.
Speaking during his first commander’s parade outside Wewak Police Station, Chief Supt Joe Poma said law and order was everybody’s business and he would demand support from all officers to restore the confidence of people in the force.
He told the parade, which was witnessed by a large number of people, he had replaced Snr Insp Vincent Pokas on the instructions of Commissioner of Police Tom Kulunga.
Poma gave an undertaking to re-organise the sections and the task force unit so they worked within the law.
He said police must live and work in harmony with the people and should not create fear and anxiety as he had observed recently.
He has banned reservists and auxiliary police personnel from carrying firearms and other activities such as providing security in shops or logging sites.
He said only regular policemen were allowed to carry firearms on duty but they had to return them to the officer in charge of firearms when their shift ended.
Poma said auxiliary policemen and women were meant to be the eyes and ears or a bridge for police in their respective communities and were allowed to perform their duties only in their respective areas.