RPNGC on right track in recruitment drive

 POLICE Commissioner Tom Ku­lunga and his senior officers spoke about modernising the Royal PNG Constabulary.

This will supposedly allow the RPNGC to better serve the people 

by carrying out its constitutional mandate of preserving peace, protecting life and property by detecting, apprehending and prosecuting offenders.

I first read about this in the media last month about an automated system being used by the constabulary’s human resource, where se­lected criteria was entered into the syste­m to cross check against de­tails of applicants.

This followed a number of ad­vertisements calling for interested applications for police training, even the educational qualifications were increased from Grade C in English to a B and requiring can­didates to have completed their Grade 12 in the past three years.

The people need an improved police force and if this is the way of the future for the RPNGC, then 

the message to Papua New Gui­neans is that the commissioner is concerned about improving the image of the force through im­proved delivery of police services by recruiting young citizens who meet the criteria.

As a former member of the force, I am glad that such change is finally being introduced to ensure that not just the children of serving members are chosen ahead of those who meet the criteria.

The RPNGC belongs to all Pa­-pua New Guineans and not just those living in police barracks.

The image of the RPNGC is constant­ly tarnished by reports of police brutality, corruption, double dipping, drugs and alcohol abuse, etc.

The image of a gun-toting Rambo or “dracula-stained” police personnel in the media and public are a sickening sight for many of us.

It has given a perception that you do not need to be qualified to carry 

a gun and drive a police vehicle full of betel nut chewing drunkards.

If that is what it takes to bring respect back to the force, then keep looking ahead, do not lower the criteria and thank you for initiating a change that will allow Papua New Guineans to view the job of a policeman or woman as a noble profession, reason being that members of the police force are viewed as people who did not finish school and those who cannot find jobs.

Michael Fubar

Lorengau