Officers told to attend training or face action

By MARJORIE FINKEO and SYLVESTER WEMURU
ACTING National Capital District (NCD) and Central Asst Comm has warned Police Station Commanders (PSCs) and Section Operation In-Charge (OICs) that disciplinary action will be taken against their men and women who fail to attend trainings at Bomana from next week.
“If your men and women don’t turn up for their trainings, then you (PSCs and OICs) will be held accountable,” Wagambie told a media conference yesterday.
He said training courses were very important for policemen and officers because “they will be better equipped with skills and knowledge to raise their efficiency in discharging their duties”.
“Many of you listed for trainings and courses just don’t turn up save for three or four present.
“That is not the way forward for the force, especially front liners.
“The Australia Federal Police must also keep me informed whenever such trainings or courses are conducted so that I am aware. If I am not informed, I won’t be able to monitor discipline,” he added.
On another matter, Wagambie warned policemen and officers conducting roadblocks to stop collecting money from motorists within the city and highways.
He said police should start issuing Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) to drivers who committed traffic offences instead of collecting money.
Wagambie also noted that Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) were failing to command their officers and men because “they are not strict in managing them” while conducting roadblocks and operations.
“They go about doing whatever they like or want, setting up illegal road blocks for money collection,” he said, adding that there had been many reports on social media about money being collected from motorists at roadblocks when TIN should have been issued.
Wagambie also noted that car theft in the city was on the rise with up to five vehicles being stolen daily.
“The same goes to illegal use of firearms,” he said, adding that policemen stationed at strategic hot spots for crime prevention rounds would help reduce crime.
“This was how crime was reduced in Lae and it should be the same here,” he added.