THE New Ireland Provincial Government (NIPG) and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) have entered into a partnership to launch the Police Reservist Training Program in New Ireland Province.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) formalising the partnership was signed today at the RPNGC Headquarters in Konedobu, Port Moresby, by Commissioner of Police Mr. David Manning, New Ireland Governor Hon. Walter D Schnaubelt, Provincial Administrator Mr. Richard Andia, and the Deputy Commissioner of Administration.
The agreement marks a major milestone in strengthening collaboration between the RPNGC and NIPG to improve law and order, enhance community safety, and build local policing capacity in the province.
Under the MoA, the RPNGC will deliver a comprehensive reservist training program to equip selected participants with essential policing knowledge, skills, and ethical standards. Once trained, the reservists will operate as an extension of the RPNGC, particularly in rural and remote areas where regular police presence is limited.
Governor Hon. Walter Schnaubelt expressed his appreciation to Commissioner Manning and the Minister for Police, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr. for their continued leadership in strengthening community policing initiatives nationwide.
This is a timely and strategic move to empower our communities to take ownership of their safety and work hand in hand with law enforcement authorities, Governor Schnaubelt said.
As provincial leaders, we are always seeking ways to engage our youth in positive and meaningful activities. Partnering with the RPNGC allows us to address manpower challenges in policing while creating opportunities for young people to contribute to their communities.
Governor Schnaubelt further noted that the program will serve as a potential pathway for capable reservists to transition into full-time police careers, further strengthening the provinces policing capacity.
Commissioner of Police David Manning commended the New Ireland Provincial Government for its leadership and proactive approach to supporting community policing.
This program will not only expand our operational reach but also strengthen trust and cooperation between the police and the people, Commissioner Manning said during the MoA signing.
Our greatest challenge continues to be manpower shortages. Through this initiative, we aim to establish 200 reservists in each province to enhance our visibility and presence within communities. This MoA with New Ireland brings that vision closer to reality.
Commissioner Manning added that following the initial training phase, a tripartite MoA will be signed with the training service provider to ensure reservists are effectively trained, managed, and utilised.
Recruitment and selection of the first 200 reservists in New Ireland Province which will be sourced from the two districts of Kavieng and Namatanai will begin shortly, with training expected to commence next year. The program will be conducted annually to build and maintain a strong reserve force that supports the RPNGCs community policing objectives.
This initiative forms part of a broader national and provincial government commitment to restore law and order, promote peace, and foster social and economic development across the country.
Meanwhile, a further recruitment and training of Community Auxiliary Police (CAP) has also been mooted recently by the Provincial Law and Order Committee chaired by Governor Schnaubelt, for 142 council wards in the 10 LLGs of New Ireland, which the provincial government and the two district DDAs will consider appropriating funding for the CAP at the ward level.