Red Cross training for police

 THE International Committee of the Red Cross is conducting a three-day workshop in Port Moresby for police mobile squad officers to discuss good policing methods.

Non-commissioned officers from  McGregor Barracks are attending the seminar, which will focus on proper methods of policing when making arrests, detention of suspects, search and seizures.

Police Commissioner Toami Kulunga said the people were afraid of the police because some members of the constabulary abused their powers and authority by violating the rights of citizens.

He said PNG was poorly rated  internationally because of such incidents and urged officers to change their behaviour and attitude.

“The initiative by the ICRC was a step in the right direction and will hopefully pave the way for police to practise correct methodologies of policing when arresting a suspect, detaining a person, searching a person or seizing firearms or contraband from people who come in conflict with the law,” he said.

He said the seminar was important and in line with the reforms currently undertaken by the c onstabulary.

ICRC course facilitator Daniel Agob said similar workshops were held in countries affected by wars.

“Over the last 20 years, more emphasis and focus were placed on the role of police because the nature of civil conflicts around the world involved police forces,” Agob said.

He said ICRC offered open dialogue in such competing situations. It is not to criticise or assign blame, but allow the parties to discuss experiences from other countries and discuss how international policing standards can effectively be applied, and how they can protect the police and the people they deal with.