Refrain from paying Police officers

Police officers warned not to collect money  from the Public. Getty

POLICE have warned members of the public to resist any demand for payment of services by police officers.

The warning was issued by Deputy Police Commissioner Simon Kauba, the chief of police operations, after a complaint from a woman who had paid K3,000 to police officers after they had demanded payment for an eviction operation they conducted.

“A woman called and complained about police charging excessive fees for an eviction exercise,” he said.

“She had paid about K3,000 and was sent an invoice for another K3,000. 

“I would be laughing if this was not so serious. We don’t charge a fee whatever services we render. 

“We don’t issue invoices. I am shocked and disgusted by the behaviour of the policemen involved. I will have this matter investigated and the policemen involved will have to find employment elsewhere.”

He urged members of the public to immediately lodge a formal complaint with his office should they be imposed any fee whatsoever by any member or unit of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

He however warned people not to solicit police assistance outside of the police command structure.

 “If you have a genuine complaint or requirement for police assistance, we should be able to assist, but through the proper channels,” he said. “See the Metropolitan Superintendent or the Provincial Police Commanders. And if your paper work is in order, we should have no problem assisting you – free of charge. 

“It is when members of the public approach policemen outside of the command structure that such problems occur.”

He said the only fees charged by the department which was collected by Department of Finance was the police clearance fee (K10) and the Traffic Accident Report (K25).

The National