Security issues slow down service delivery: Top cop

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By KELVIN JOE
LACK of security is slowing down public services delivery and development in Gulf over the years, according to provincial police commander Chief Insp Maria Johns.
Chief Insp Johns, the country’s only female provincial police commander, said the province was home to major development projects but the flow of government services was slow because of the security issues.
“We are lacking manpower and resources to address the law and order problem and other social issues in the province,” she said.
She is among police commanders attending a workshop in Port Moresby on how to manage their operations.
“Policing is very difficult because we don’t have the capability to cater for the entire province,” she said.
“Dealing with serious crimes such as murder and rape was hard because it would take ages for police to arrive at the crime scene.
“There are only 56 trained police officers looking after a population of more than 186,000 people in the province,” she said.
“Development and services are slow because the level of security is very low.
“Accommodation problem too is affecting security.”
The Baimuru and Ihu sub-police posts are manned by one regular police officer each.
“Imagine a police officer looking after 22 local level governments in Ihu.
“It is not easy for them to provide daily reports on time.”
She said despite the challenges, the officers had been working with local leaders and community-based policemen to carry out policing work.