The New Ireland Provincial Executive Council (PEC), under the leadership of Governor Walter Schnaubelt, has taken swift action to address recent incidents of criminal activity that threaten the peace and safety of the province.
Following a PEC meeting held in Namatanai yesterday (August 19, 2025), the provincial government approved the immediate deployment of a police mobile squad unit from Tomaringa Barracks in East New Britain.
The engagement of this disciplined police unit is part of a targeted strategy to stabilize the situation and restore public confidence.
Governor Schnaubelt said the use of police mobile squads in other provinces had proven effective in curbing rising crime, and he was confident the same results would be achieved in New Ireland.
He added that local police units would also be supported with additional resources to improve their operational capacity.
In another significant move, the PEC recently approved the recruitment and training of 200 police reservists to be deployed in the province. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen community-based policing and ensure long-term safety and order across the province.
“We are a peaceful people,” said Governor Schnaubelt. “But we will not stand by and allow outsiders or criminal elements to come in and destroy our way of life. New Ireland is not a hiding place for criminals. We will work with police to close all escape routes and ensure those responsible are caught and face the full force of the law.”
The Governor praised the vigilance of the Konos community in central New Ireland, who recently thwarted an attempted attack by a criminal gang. He called on all communities across the province to follow this example by staying alert, united, and committed to protecting one another.
Longer-term law and order strategies are also being developed and will be announced in the coming weeks.
“To the criminals, be warned. The law will catch up with you. New Ireland is united. Our island is small, and there is nowhere to run. We will find you,” the Governor warned.
He added that the provincial government was committed to safeguarding peace, protecting families, and ensuring New Ireland continued to be a safe and prosperous home for all.