Unruly police out of control in Maprik

 MAPRIK Police seem to act in a manner which was never heard of in the history of the beautiful, peaceful  small town and surrounding communities. 

A primary school teacher was bashed to death early this year at the police station which caused fear amongst the people. 

There are rumours  of hostility towards the people by the new recruits or probationary officers posted there. The people are scared to walk around at night. 

I was searched by the officers as I was dropped off by a PMV travelling in from Wewak. After they realised me to be not a common local they are used to intimidating they apologised and left. 

Maprik is a small town and a place not exposed to outside influence such as pick pocketing, petty crime or robbery. Using excessive force on the local villagers and the communities are not necessary. 

Tough recruits should be swapped with other professional officers. 

Mature officers are needed in Maprik who can work collaboratively with the peace loving people. 

The tough recruits should be sent to Madang, Lae or Hagen to police.

I call on the Maprik Police station commander and my good local MP to check the officers’ conduct and pull them in line. 

They have to respect the human rights of the people when carrying out their duties. 

It has now been common for people to be beaten badly when arrests are being carried out. 

Sadly, many rural people do not know their rights when facing police.

Let us all work together in a peaceful professional manner embracing community partnership policing concept for a better Maprik.

Nelikum Villager

Maprik, ESP