Australian Police must work closely with PNG counterpart says Acting Commissioner Kauba

THE Australian Federal Police (AFP) must work more closely with the local police to see that their mission is fully accomplished, says acting Commissioner of Police Simon Kauba.

Acting Commissioner Kauba made this comment last Friday during the welcome parade for the AFP in Lae, Morobe Province. He said AFP officers must work together with their local counterparts so that they would be in a better position to observe and offer advise on areas to improve where necessary.

He said the AFP presence in Lae will be also conducive to the local police so that it will lift the standard of their performances. He said the bottom-line is the stakeholders and the communities want to see the delivery of police services and the front line policing at the police stations.

Morobe Governor Kelly Naru said they need more police personnel to tackle the law and order issue in Lae City. He said whether it is from similar arrangements or local, the police number in Lae must be beefed up.

“The number 13 seems small in a big place like Lae. However, I understand you are all experience policemen and women, and I believe your experience and attitude will be the key to helping to assist and develop,” Morobe Governor Naru said.

Governor Naru also said he hoped the AFP numbers would increase to at least 100 in the next 12 months and also roll-out into other districts in Morobe.

The AFP officers are providing the frontline advisory support to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to strengthen the RPNGC’s ability to deliver effective and visible policing services to its people.

Ten of the 13 officers were welcomed in Lae by the local police in the presence of the Lae community including the Morobe Provincial Government and the business houses.

The third and the final group of 10 Australian Federal Police officers will arrive in the country on December 21, 2013. Their arrival under this agreement will fulfill the Australian Government’s commitment to deploy 50 additional AFP officers to Port Moresby and Lae by the end of 2013.