PNG Government to increase Police Manpower in 2023

Police manpower will be increased starting next year as the Government starts focusing more on the law-and-justice sector, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape announced today (November 6, 2022).

He said more judges and magistrates would also be recruited as the sector was moved to the forefront of Government focus amidst an increasing law-and-order problem.

The Prime Minister said rundown jail facilities throughout the country would also be improved and rehabilitation for inmates, including through further education via Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE), would be strengthened.

PM Marape said Police would embark on a recruitment drive next year to increase manpower to 7000 from the current 5000 at the very earliest, and 10,000 in the medium-term.

“We cannot deny that there are so many issues within the Police Force, including lack of manpower, which has allowed it to deteriorate over the years,” he said.

“It also doesn’t help when we have an ageing police force which is not resourced properly, including investigation and prosecution, leading to many cases being dropped.

“Going forward, we will address these, with increased funding in the 2023 Budget.

“Next year, we hope to recruit over 1000 young men and women into the Police Force, who will be sent out into areas like Hela, where there are only 80 officers to serve an important province which houses the PNG LNG Project and has a 400.000 population.

“The Police hierarchy can assist by way of ensuring discipline, order and punctuality amongst officers.”

PM Marape urged all Papua New Guineans to take ownership of the law-and-order issue starting in their own families and communities, rather than to let it get out of hand, and expect Police to address it.

“Our population can contribute towards a better and safer country, which will allow it to grow and prosper for us all, by taking ownership of the law-and-order issue,” he said.

“There is no point supporting our PNG Kumuls in rugby league if you cannot, likewise, support a decrease in law-and-order problems by taking ownership of the issue.

“Law-and-order should be every Papua New Guinean’s No. 1 responsibility.

“Let us support our Police by not breaking the law, and pointing out people who are breaking the law.

“Internal Security Minister Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr and Police Commissioner David Manning, together with senior officers, are in discussion to address all issues affecting the force.”

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