Madang rural commanders complete course

MADANG rural police station commanders have met at a one-day workshop in Madang to improve and establish effective command and control procedures at rural police stations.
Provincial rural police station commander Snr Insp Philip Walia said after the workshop that the basic structure of control and command in the police force had been lacking over the years and the workshop discussed how to best manage and improve on the weaknesses.
Snr Insp Walia said although the force was under-resourced, they were able to provide services.
He said the rural police stations played a vital role in enforcing law and order, but the Police Department and different levels of Government had neglected them over the years.
Snr Insp Walia said despite the constraints, they were able to address problems and issues in their respective areas.
However, police work had been hindered by isolation and the difficult geographical features.
Snr Insp Walia said  these barriers could be addressed through effective communication and better coordination.
He said that every rural police station had been informed to have regular checks of all resources so that they were used effectively.
“Through the workshop, commanders have been warned to keep track so that they perform effectively because the department or the Government will not continue to provide the resources like vehicles and ammunition,” Snr Insp Walia said.
The officers will meet again in November in Madang to iron out issues affecting the force in the rural areas.