Manning to rebuild force

NEW Police Commissioner David Manning plans to rebuild the constabulary, calling on senior officers to put the nation’s interest above everything else.
“There needs to be reconciliation among us senior officers for the sake of the eight million people of this country,” he said.
“Our country is not in the best of situations as we speak. Our police force is literally run-down. So we need to immediately begin rebuilding. The world is moving forward and you don’t want us to be left behind.”
Manning was appointed on Monday to head the force after acting in the position in the past three months.
He said yesterday his leadership was about reconciliation, and lifting performance to a standard to ensure law and order was enforced around the country.
“Reconciliation is a big word, and I want to bring everyone (senior officers) to work together as a team to serve the people,” he said.
Manning said the position had been advertised and applications were received from senior officers who were “commissioner material”.
“While all senior officers are equally capable of becoming the commissioner, unfortunately only one can (fill the post),” he said.
“The Government has decided to appoint me. So I urge you all to give your best to serve the organisation – regardless of who is occupying the commissioner’s office – with the highest degree of loyalty and professionalism.
“After all you are not serving me but the eight million people of PNG. So I want all of us to be recommitted to the oath we had sworn when we passed out of the Bomana Police Training College.”
He said some had become disillusioned and discouraged over the years for various reasons.
“But to be better police officers, we have to recommit ourselves to our fundamental roles and responsibilities – and that is to protect and serve our people without fear or favour,” he said.
“We also have to get our mindsets in order. We need to rebuild our command and instill discipline. This is a huge task but is achievable. I need all senior officers to combine to help the constabulary march forward into the modern era.”