Funding woes blamed for crime rise

 By GABRIEL FITO

A SENIOR police officer has blamed the rising crime rate on the failure of successive governments to provide adequate funding and operational support for the constabulary.

East Sepik police commander Chief Supt Joe Poma said this had affected police performance and effectiveness.

Poma said this yesterday in response to a statement by East Sepik Governor Sir Michael Somare who questioned police investigations into Monday’s daring robbery of the Tang Mow Supermarket in Wewak.

Sir Michael had also accused Poma of showing no interest in curbing lawlessness and asked for his removal as the province’s police boss.

“My appointment as East Sepik PPC is the prerogative of the commissioner of police. I will not comment on it because all powers to appoint and transfer are vested with the commissioner,” Poma said.

“But to point fingers at me for all the law and order problems is unrealistic. 

“Successive national and provincial governments have not done enough to fund the increase of our manpower, improve infrastructure and appalling living conditions for police.

“I am one man and cannot create miracles. The auxiliaries who assisted the regulars were stood down early this year following a recent government decision and the current reduced number of policemen and women are constantly facing refueling problem.”

Poma said despite these problems, police in the province “are giving their best” with the limited resources available.

He called for public cooperation “as law and order is everyone’s business”.

Meanwhile, police have apprehended four suspects in connection with the Tang Mow Supermarket robbery.

Poma said they were being interrogated while police looke for others whose identities were known. 

He commended his men and the public for their cooperation in apprehending the suspects.