Lift profile of service

 By JOSEPH ANUT

MEMBERS of the PNG Correctional Service have been challenged to serve with pride, honesty and commitment to lift the profile of the organisation.

Correctional Service Minister Jim Simatab told officers at parade at Bomana prison last Friday that 2013 was not a good year for the department and ministry.

He said the CS had been in the media for all the wrong reasons.

“I say with a heavy heart that this year was not a good year for the PNG Correctional Services,” he said.

“The CS has been in the spotlight as early as March following a series of prison breakouts at Beon in Madang and Buimo in Lae, followed by the escape of the three notorious prisoners at Bomana. And most recently, the breakout at Bihute, in Eastern Highlands.

“There are over 100 detainees still at large which is a record for a single year.

“Statistics show that between 1995 and 2013 25,000 prisoners escaped from jails throughout the country and remain a threat to the public now.

“All these indicate that the organisation is still struggling in many key areas within the management and command structures of our jails throughout the country.”