Police need K3.9bil for training, equipment: Marape

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
PRIME Minister James Marape says the constabulary needs K3.9 billion to ensure its officers are appropriately trained and equipped with important infrastructure and resources.
An independent study titled True Cost of Policing Services in PNG concludes that the constabulary is underfunded.
“The study has enabled my Government to identify, assess and implement the resizing and increment of the number of staff via the recruitment drive and relook at improving many other aspects of the police force,” he said.
“This assessment will also enable the constabulary to be proactive in its approach, management and maintenance of law and order, and restore public confidence in the force.”
He said the Government wanted to address law and order challenges by strengthening law enforcement agencies, in particular beefing up police manpower to 10,000 by 2027.
“To make sure our police stations effectively perform their mandated responsibilities in maintaining law and order, we have initiated the police stations of excellence concept to improve the processing of complaints,” he said.
The Waigani Police Station is being piloted under this initiative with the support of the Australian government.
“We will continue to strengthen this sector through modernising the police force, delivering an electronic judiciary and magistracy and empowering the village courts system,” he added.
“We will operationalise the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) to give effect to the Whistle Blowers’ Act and Proceeds of Crimes Act.
“We will also reform the Ombudsman Commission to strengthen its existing functions under the Organic Law on Duties and Responsibilities of Leaders (Leadership Code).
“The Government will support the Correctional Services training programmes for inmates using second chance education and SME (small-medium enterprises) training as part of rehabilitation.”