THE Welfare Section from the Human Resource Division of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has expanded its Welfare Awareness Program to Central and Gulf Provinces, focusing on spouses and children of police officers and officers with chronic illnesses.
This initiative follows successful sessions in police barracks across the National Capital District (NCD), where data revealed significant gaps in family awareness of welfare services.
This is a first of its kind for such programs to be rolled out beyond Port Moresby which highlights the Constabulary’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of its members and their families.
The program recognizes that the welfare of officers’ families directly affects workplace performance.
By educating spouses, particularly policemen’s wives and children, the Welfare Section aims to empower families to navigate entitlements, legal processes, and health challenges more effectively.
Inspector Susan Rumints, Officer-in-Charge of Police Welfare, said the program was initiated after learning about troubling cases where spouses were left uninformed.
“One of the common issues is when policemen’s wives come forward after their husbands pass on to claim entitlements, only to discover they were not registered as the legal spouse,” Inspector Rumints explained.
“In some cases, multiple women dispute his final entitlements claiming they have children with the deceased. It is heartbreaking to witness these situations.”
The initiative aligns with national and organizational frameworks:
➢ PNG Vision 2050: advancing human capital development by safeguarding the health and longevity of security personnel.
➢ RPNGC Corporate Plan: fostering a disciplined and motivated force through accessible HR services.
➢ Risk Mitigation: addressing premature mortality and chronic illness that disrupt operational continuity and increase recruitment costs.
The program covers a wide range of issues affecting police families. The topics of discussion includes;
1. Welfare Services – overview of support and advocacy.
2. Entitlement Abuse – consequences of extramarital affairs and misuse of leave.
3. Family Protection Act – legal safeguards for domestic safety.
4. Domestic Violence – internal reporting and assistance procedures.
5. Marriage & Maintenance Laws – guidance on civil registry and legal processes.
6. Financial Literacy – savings and retirement planning.
7. Spiritual Guidance – promoting ethical conduct and resilience.
8. Health & Wellness – screenings and chronic disease education.
9. Legal Administration – updating personal records and next-of-kin data.
10. HR Compliance – rights, benefits, and disciplinary standards.
The program kicked off on Friday, May 22, 2026, starting with Moreguina Police Station of Cloudy Bay LLG in Abau District, then to Kupiano Police Station and Upulima Police Station in Abau District. The Welfare Team then visited Kwikila and will continue at Sogeri later this week.
Inspector Rumints expressed gratitude to RPNGC management for supporting the initiative, stating that it is expected to give spouses greater clarity on their welfare rights and responsibilities.
“It is anticipated that after this program, spouses will know where they stand in terms of welfare and can take the necessary steps to resolve issues. The Welfare Office is here to guide them through,” she said.