Time to improve our police force

IT is time policemen who continuously flaunt the law and aid and abet crime and criminals will be brought to bear down.
Police Commissioner David Manning has sounded the warning that once caught, it will not be an easy walk in the park for them.
There is no space for those who continually bring the force’s name into disrepute.
A policeman is a member of a police force.
According to Wikipedia, the police are a constituted body of persons empowered by a state, with the aim to enforce the law, to ensure the safety, health and possessions of citizens, and to prevent crime and civil disorder.
Their lawful powers include arrest and the use of force legitimised by the state via the monopoly on violence.
The term is most commonly associated with the police forces of a sovereign state that are authorised to exercise the police power of that state within a defined legal or territorial area of responsibility.
Police forces are often defined as being separate from the military and other organisations involved in the defence of the state against foreign aggressors; however, gendarmerie are military units charged with civil policing.
Police forces are usually public sector services, funded through taxes.
Manning made this comment following recent threats against police detectives involved in the K286 million Ok Tedi investigations.
“If you want to be a criminal or align yourself with individuals or entities and challenge the police force, then you have no place in the police force and I will ensure your speedy exit from the police force straight into prison,” he said.
The majority of policemen and women perform their duties with professionalism and dedication, yet are being let down by these few members.
Long overdue are proposed changes in the disciplinary proceedings that will allow for a swifter and more effective process that protects all parties concerned while enhancing greater accountability and appropriate penalties being dealt out.
“In the near future, legislative amendments will be made to criminalise certain offences that have caused the discipline and performance of the police force to deteriorate.
“If we are to deliver to the people of Papua New Guinea a police force that they deserve and provide a policing service that adds value to their lives, we (should) undergo these reforms and remove impediments now,” Manning said.
Last year, ACP Anthony Wagambie Jr warned police officers who were involved in criminal activities that they would be dealt with by the law.
Members of the police force cannot be a criminal and policeman.
You can only be one.
Time will catch up with those who are engaged in criminal activities and associating with known criminals. We commend Manning and Wagambie for taking these bold steps.
These rogue policemen and women have tarnished the good name of the Royal PNG Constabulary.
Instead of protecting the people and safeguarding their rights, these rogue police officers opted to engage in unlawful acts such as demanding money from civilians, confiscating alcohol and goods for their own consumption.
It is time for the police college to introduce more advanced courses on human rights, code of ethics and professionalism.
The Government needs to introduce the necessary reforms to raise the level of policing in the country especially in the police training curriculum so that our officers are on par with their international counterparts.