Ways to tighten law, order sought

PRIME Minster Peter O’Neill says a solution to using foreign policemen and women to assist here was to put them in local police uniforms and give them immunity.
Immunity to overseas police working in PNG has been a sticking point in the recent years as the government mulled over ways to control law and order.
O’Neill said the solution he mentioned was suggested by public servants.
The call to seek police assistance from countries like Australia increased recently when a plane and courthouses were burnt in Mendi, Southern Highlands and Parliament was stormed by some police and wardens in November over their allowances.
O’Neill said tougher security measures and proper screening processes were needed.
In support of the recommendations made through the Parliament damage assessment report presented yesterday, O’Neill said those security officers involved in the attack should be prosecuted and brought to justice.
“Many of the culprits of this particular action are captured on closed circuit television (CCTV) and we know who they are,” O’Neill said.
“We have been relaxed about our security arrangements in this Parliament.
“It is our suggestion to the House Committee and the Speaker that we privatise the security arrangements in this House and advertise immediately.
“Beef up security, including strict control of movement of people in the precinct of the Parliament.
“The entrance of the members must be by members only and the public coming to Parliament must go through proper screening process.”
O’Neill said there had been quite a bit of debate about bringing in foreign troops but one of the sticking point was immunity.
“I have no issues about bringing Australians, Americans, European Union or United Kingdom policemen and women to work here to build up capacity and train our young men and women about discipline.
“When we talk about immunity, it must also apply to our own policemen and women and disciplined forces.
“We have been in discussion with our public servants and we have found the solution.
“We will amend some of the legislation in the Police Act and other disciplined forces Act about giving immunity in line of duty.
“We don’t’ want to have other uniformed forces, we are a sovereign state and cannot allow a foreign uniformed officer to come and enforce our laws in our country.
“We’ve agreed with our public servants that if they must be contracted, they are given immunity but wear our uniforms.”