Upgrade police intelligence, top cop says

 THE intelligence unit is ineffective to combat the law and order situation in major centres like Port Moresby, a senior officer says.

National Capital District-Central Division Commander Jim Andrews said the intelligence unit must be upgraded to assist police in their operations, especially to pick up major crimes.

Andrews was referring to last Friday’s heist involving a security company, in which K6.3 million was taken from a security company officers escorting the cash to the Bank of Papua New Guinea. 

The thieves had fled when police arrived on the scene in downtown Port Moresby.

“In the past, the intelligence unit of police was very effective and we were informed of crime that was happening or about to happen and acted quickly to arrest criminals.

“I urge higher authorities to seriously consider upgrading the intelligence unit immediately so that we can prevent major crimes from happening.”

Andrews said the law enforcement agencies, such as the National Intelligence Organisation, PNG Customs and the PNG Defence Force, should work with Police to develop a more effective intelligence network.

“My concern is that the criminals involved in the bank heist last Friday might have been apprehended on the spot if we had a very good intelligence unit and cooperation in place,” he said.

“The authorities must seriously help us in the intelligence part since it is important in our operations.”