Officers suspended

 FOUR police officers, including a station commander, in Tari have been suspended pending investigations into a drink and drive incident.

And Hela provincial police commander Supt Mark Yangen is disappointed that while every effort is being made to ban alcohol in the province, police officers were implicated in a drinking incident.

The police station commander had been suspended for 21 days with a 50% pay cut with three other officers.

They were in a vehicle on road patrol when they were involved in a road accident. 

The police vehicle was badly damaged although the officers escaped injuries.

He said he could not understand why the very people supposed to enforce the law were breaking it.

He said police officers had promised to serve the country with pride and honesty and should be working hard to address law and order problems.

“How can we call ourselves police officers when we are breaking the very rules we are struggling each day to enforce? 

“What will people say when they see us drinking?

“I am really frustrated. Those caught drinking and misusing government properties will be suspended from duty without pay.”

Meanwhile, Supt Yangen has thanked the people for a peaceful New Year celebration. He said this was one of the best years because there no drunkards seen in public places.

He said police would continue to arrest people operating illegal liquor outlets and those drinking in public places.