POLICE Commissioner David Manning has assured all civilian staff of the Police Department today that they will not lose their jobs, and with the impending transition to the new police structure, they will see better entitlements in medical insurance, housing and a significant pay increase.
The widespread concern first arose following the National Executive Council (NEC) decision on May 4 to abolish the Police Department and the position of the Secretary which revoked the 1976 Gazettal No.14 Notice.
The decision left about 400 police civilian staff under the notion that they would be jobless as a result.
Police Union leader Lowa Tambua called an emergency press conference on May 7 to address what this meant for his union members.
“With respect to the eight million people of this country, if my police men and women have lost their jobs, I’m pulling them out,” Tambua warned.
This prompted Manning to urgently address the public servants of the concerns raised.
Those present in the meeting includes Police Minister William Gogl Onglo, Assistant Police Commissioner Joanne Clarkson, newly appointed National Gaming Board Chairman and Trade Union Council General Secretary Clemence Kanau, Police Union President Lowa Tambua, among other senior officers of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).
Manning firstly acknowledged the role of the civilian officers in providing administrative support to the police force. He reassured them of their job and pay security, and the potential of what the change would bring.
“Let me state here now, none of you will lose your jobs unless you retire at your own will. I make my personal commitment on this.
“We will continue to pay you what you are currently receiving, but at some point when we absorb you into the police force, we will ensure that your pay is adjusted and paid under the new salary structure.
“As members of the force there will be benefits in the form of medical insurance and eligibility for housing, as well as an intended pay increase of up to 10% – 15%,” Manning made the assurance.
He said from now until the decision by NEC becomes effective, there will be a transitional period in which the current public servants under the department will move into the police force structure.
Manning explained that the transition ensures all entitlements, leave credits and all that has been accrued over time as public servants, with recognition of section 36 of the Police Act under exempted persons, will be absorbed into the police force structure.
“The transition period will take up to 12 months to allow for the development of job descriptions for all civil staff to label the respective duties in the force, and to absorb civil staff into the salary structure of the uniformed branch.
“A transitional plan is currently being drafted, and the 12 months is to ensure all administrative and legal requirements are satisfied.”
In recognition of the Police Commissioner’s efforts in assuring the civilian staff and ensuring they understand fully the state of their employment, the union executives thanked Manning and commended him on his work to provide clarity to the Police Departmental staff.