PNG Police focus to get tough and strike hard against domestic terrorists, says Manning

 The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, with the support of the Marape-Rosso Government, is repositioning police personnel and assets to take a harder stand against violent offenders and domestic terrorists.

Police Commissioner David Manning said an important component of this direction includes further empowering Provincial Police Commands to engage with Provincial Administrations to respond to local crime problems.

“The RPNGC is moving from what had been an overarching emphasis on crime prevention over recent decades, to focus on responding to criminal activity and countering aggression head-on,” the Commissioner said.

“Legislation is being developed that clearly articulates actions of domestic terrorism, and the changes in our police force counter-terrorism approach will be reflected in this policy development.

“The ‘soft glove’ approach as the frontline policy has not worked, and now the gloves are off and the frontline is the confrontation and neutralisation of criminal activity at its roots.

“If a criminal uses a weapon to threaten a village or urban community, that is domestic terrorism, and there is no leniency from police.

“Standing orders permit police to neutralise the criminal through reasonable means so they could be shot and potentially die from their injuries.

“Police Officers are trained in the escalated use of force when confronting criminal activities, up to and including the use of lethal force, and they have sworn an oath to fulfil this duty.

“This is a get tough and strike hard approach, and it is already delivering results including arrests in Bosavi and Kompiam in recent days.

“Refocusing police personnel to the streets, with increased mobile capabilities for rapid deployment, who are properly resourced and armed, and supported by new technologies and modern communications systems, is making a difference.

“Standing Orders for police officers to neutralise violent offenders through the escalated and reasonable use of force are being reinforced across units. While at the same time a crack-down on any undisciplined behaviour or unauthorised use of force will be the subject of disciplinary measures, and where appropriate, expulsion from the RPNGC.

“Community policing remains important, and as regular RPNGC officers are moved from, to sharp-end policing, Reserve and Auxiliary police will move into these community engagement roles,” Mr Manning said.

Commissioner Manning said the evolving force posture includes greater input at the provincial and district levels where community leaders are in position to articulate local crime problems.

“Provincial Police Commanders are engaging closer with elected leaders, provincial authorities, churches, and other local stakeholders to increase focus on criminal hotspots and activities.

"I am also calling on open MPs to use their District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) Law and Order components to supplement operational budgets at the provincial and district levels.

“As with the issues in Bosavi, we had to build the means to respond because they were there before, and it is proving effective.

“I have shared our financials for year to date as well as the past five years and we can see an opportunity working closer with MPs and their provincial and district administrators.

“Whilst it is encouraging that there are provinces and districts that have continued to support our efforts and remain committed to providing leadership, there are others we would like to see a marked willingness to assist.

“Our people and our Government expect an unwavering approach to reversing the breakdown of the social fibre of our communities. The displacement of traditional order feeds into increased instances of local crimes including gender-related and domestic violence, robberies and other street crimes and general lawlessness and the displacement of respect for authority.

“PPCs working with provincial and district leaders enables police to better target responsive policing resources for maximum impact to neutralise criminal activities.

“RPNGC sworn officers specialise in and are committed to confronting criminals and bringing them to justice and they are further stepping up to this central role,” Commissioner Manning concluded.

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