Wong eyes restructure of police force after Apec

THE police force is to undergo major restructuring after the Apec meeting in November, Police Minister Jelta Wong says.
Wong said there were so many issues facing the force.
He said issues such as the rotational and transfer programmes of the Constabulary that was once routine, would now be captured in the review to be undertaken by his department.
He said issues compounding the constabulary leading to the lack of discipline and failure to address law and order issues in the country would also be taken on board in the restructure and review.
He was responding to MPs from Middle Ramu (Johnny Alonk), Laigap-Porgera (Tomait Kapili) and North Fly (James Donald) who wanted the government and police force to reintroduce the rotational programme.
The three leaders said law and order in the country, including rural areas, continued to deteriorate as police continued to collude and compromise with law breakers and not enforce the law to apprehend offenders.
They said young policemen and women who graduated from the police college were posted permanently to their respective posts but the process had contributed to the rise in law and order issues.
They said many of them married into the society they were posted to and their marriage relationship did not allow them to carry out their mandated duties impartially and without fear and favour.
Meanwhile concerns had also been raised where members of the police force were engaged in hotel and other businesses, breaching the public service laws.
Wong said it was a serious issue and all policemen involved in businesses should declare their interest.
However, he said investigation and assessment teams would be sent to all police stations to check this out.