THE Letter of Agreement on law enforcement cooperation between United States and Papua New Guinea has positioned the countries to effectively work together to disrupt criminal networks, protect vulnerable populations, and strengthen governance.
Through this strategic partnership dialogue, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), conducted law enforcement training in Port Moresby from June 22 through 26.
Nine DHS/FLETC instructors delivered three concurrent training programs to 90 PNG law enforcement and corrections personnel from agencies including PNG Customs, Corrections, National Narcotics Bureau, National Maritime Safety Authority, Sheriff’s Office, Immigration, and National Fisheries Authority.
Port Moresby U.S Embassy Chargés d’Affaires Alex Berenberg said that this training demonstrates U.S. commitment to working alongside close Pacific partners like Papua New Guinea to promote regional security and the rule of law.
“By investing in PNG’s law enforcement capability, we are strengthening our shared ability to combat transnational threats that affect both our countries,” Mr. Berenberg said.
During the training program, three main trainings delivered were:
●The Tactical Medical for First Responders program provided training in medical threat assessment, life-threatening bleeding control in active environments, treatment of injuries during tactical field care, and victim evacuation techniques from hostile situations, with physical techniques introduced and developed throughout.
●The Senior Leadership Training course emphasized leadership competencies and concepts in community-oriented policing, with challenges indexed to civil unrest and civil disobedience, carjacking, and street crime.
●The third program, facilitated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons Staff Training Academy (STA) and hosted at the Bomana National Center of Excellence Corrections Training Facility, introduced corrections and federal prisons operations to 30 PNG Correctional Services Officers.
The letter of agreement, facilitated through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, which funded the training, enables expanded collaboration in law enforcement support, counter narcotic capabilities, countering transnational organized crime, and anti-crime and criminal justice support.
The United States looks forward to implementing this agreement and continuing to expand its law enforcement partnership with Papua New Guinea in support of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.