Scheme to boost police fleets

POLICE around the country will be provided new vehicles in a scheme which involves a partnership with district and provincial administrations.
“(There will) be 180 vehicles presented to districts and provinces,” Police Minister Bryan Kramer said.
“Priority will be given to districts and provinces as part of the station of excellence project based on serious law and order issues.”
Option one for K2 million: The constabulary provides K1m and the district or provincial government provides K1m to buy 12 vehicles.
Option two for K1 million: The Constabulary provides K500,000 and the district or provincial government provides the other K500,000 to buy six vehicles.
He said Madang received 12 vehicles bought in a partnership between the police and the district development authority.
“The total cost of the 12 vehicles was K2.04 million,” he said.
“The district contributed K1 million.”
Kramer said some provinces and districts had already paid their contributions while others were yet to confirm. West New Britain had paid K1m while East Sepik has approved K1m.
“Northern has confirmed to participate with K1m,” he said.
“Gazelle and Finschhafen have confirmed to participate with K500,000.”
Kramer said due to lack of funding in the past, the constabulary had not been able to re-fleet its vehicles and instead forced to hire them.
“The practice has been to rely on support from MPs and governors to purchase new police vehicles on an ad-hoc basis,” he said.
“However, under the kina-for-kina programme, the constabulary is inviting provinces and districts to participate in a 50/50 funding arrangement to buy new vehicles.”