No political interference, says Guinness

THERE is no political interference or influence in the change of police leadership in Madang, acting commander of police (Northern command) Peter Guinness says.
“The change has come about because of non-performance,” Guinness said.
He said the provincial police commander positions throughout the country were on contracts which had key performance indicators (KPI).
“By taking those KPIs into considerations, the two officers in Madang were not performing to expectations and standards required.”
Guinness alleged that while former Madang commander Ben Neneo was in command, he had compromised the independence of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).
Guinness said this meant that certain issues in Madang had been overlooked by Neneo and he had not been able to ensure that certain investigations were carried out.
He alleged that this was because of Neneo’s alliances in Madang which had compromised his position.
Guinness said the RPNGC was a public service organisation and people had the right to access any services provided by the police.
“The public have the right to visit the PPC at the police station and express whatever issues they have,” he said.
“There should be no favouritism or bias. The interests of all people throughout the nation are to be served by the RPNGC.”
Guinness said the changes had nothing to do with Police Minister and Madang MP Bryan Kramer.
“I made the changes where I saw fit as the Northern commander,” Guinness said.
He confirmed that Neneo and the Madang police station commander had not received their suspension notices yet.
Guinness said the pair had to go to Madang to receive their suspension notices.