Use of firearms a concern, says Baki

The use of firearms in the constabulary is a major concern among others, according to Police Commissioner Gari Baki.
He said police personnel were more confident doing their job with a firearm than without one.
During the police Commissioner’s Conference in Kimbe, West New Britain this week, he said: “I am contemplating an organisation without firearms.
There are 49 different types of firearms the constabulary is using right now. We were trained to use sidearm and shot guns but when the young constables come out, they are already in possession of rifles which they are not properly trained to use.”
With the preparation of the national elections next year, Baki said he has already made his stand that the elections would not be coordinated from police headquarters but by the divisional commanders. “We won’t be sending troops from outside to assist in the election,” he said.
“This will now depend on respective divisional commanders to take carriage of all members within their command.
“So divisional commanders and police commanders, you have a mammoth task to prepare for the national election in your command.”
Among other issues discussed at the week-long meeting, Baki said the lack of discipline had also been a major impediment to the performance and progress of the organisation.
He said there were many underlying issues in the administration of discipline and the symposium in Kimbe was intended to identify these and restore them for the betterment of the force and the public.