WHY downgrade the police department to a mere commission when lawlessness and anarchy is hitting the ceiling?
The government in a frightening effort is defending the appointment of David Manning as Police Commissioner.
Wonder if such effort and resolve be put to places where it matters most such as resurrecting the economy.
But just because the government’s man doesn’t have the necessary credentials to meet the job’s requirement the national executive council arbitrarily scaled down the time honored institution to suit political convenience.
The Royal Papua New Guinea Police Constabulary (RPNGC) has a rich history going back many years. In recent times the RPNGC has been going through reforms to meet the law and order challenges posed by the high population growth, inadequate formal employment opportunities and transnational crimes.
High crime rates impose direct costs on families, erode social trust, undermine the nation-building agenda and negatively impact on business investment. Weak law enforcement and cultural norms contribute to pervasive corruption, making PNG more vulnerable to all sorts of crime.
In the face of these growing challenges, what is the logic of bringing the status of RPNGC at the elevated position of a department down to a mere office? Let alone bringing down the standard of the head of police.
Where the relevant stakeholders such as the Department of Public Service, Public Service Commission, Police Union and Minister for Police consulted on the changes?
The Police Minister William Onglo’s press statement, which appears to be pre-written and prepared by people behind the abrupt and needless change, doesn’t hold water.
Do we need to continually bring down the standards to meet our inadequacies?
David Lepi
Port Moresby