Reshuffle for police hierarchy

By ANTOINETTE POIVI
POLICE commissioner David Manning has announced another reshuffle this year in the executive management in the police force.
Samson Kua, who moved to assistant commissioner assisting the Office of the Commissioner, is being promoted to Deputy Police commissioner, regional operations, and Dr Philip Mitna to Deputy Police Commissioner (DCP), administration.
Manning said both appointments are for three years.
Joanne Clarkson, who was DCP administration, has been appointed police liaison officer in Canberra.
“The reasons for the revocation of Joanne Clarkson and the reshuffling of the executives of the constabulary comes at a time when we are significantly challenged,” Manning said.
“Challenged to leave our key reforms and these reforms are very much to the benefit of our communities and the organisation.”
Manning said their focus is to rebuild a force that continues to be professional.
“To deliver the national Government’s intent in ensuring that we increase our presence nationwide, that there is equal sharing of resources to allow us to add value to the lives of our people whether in the urban or rural setting.
Manning said that as the Government continues to insist on performance, those in leadership positions not only in the constabulary but the whole public service need to ensure that they continue to deliver for and on behalf of the Government and the people.
“This is my second term as the police commissioner and it comes with a lot of expectations that can be best delivered under stability.
“As in the recent past, there will be continued announcements made on command changes in the force. That is all about ensuring we have the right leadership.
“Kua’s role is to ensure that we maintain an acceptable level of operational effectiveness across all the regional commands throughout the country.”
He said Kua is responsible for effective leadership and performance accountability of all the commands, both provincial and regional commands.
“I thank and acknowledge Joanne Clarkson who has served the constabulary really well.
“Strengthening leadership is not only about making command changes but also ensuring those who have aged with younger and more vibrant and energetic members of the force to hold fast the belief that the police force can be better,” Manning said.