LAW enforcement officers in Manus have been reminded against violation of human rights when performing duties.
Participants from Lorengau Police Station and PNGDF soldiers from Naval Base at Lombrum attended the Human Rights and Ethics workshop from July 6th – 9th.
The training was conducted by officers from Police Training College Bomana and officers from Human resource and Training Development at Police Headquarters in Port Moresby.
The aim of the workshop was for enforcement officers to ensure that proper procedures and actions are taken when dealing with any individual person without violating his or her rights during enforcement of their duties as members of RPNGC and PNGDF.
The sessions covered in the workshop were:
- General Principles and STATE Responsibilities
- PNG National Legal Framework
- Ethical and Legal Conduct by Law Enforcement officers (LEO)
- LEO and Non Discrimination
- Human rights during arrest and detention
- Law Enforcement and use of Force.
- Human rights and Policing of Public Assemble and Protest
- Human rights of Law Enforcement and Code of Ethics
- Human rights on protection of victims
Manus Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector David Yapu speaking during the opening of the workshop said the Constabulary has faced a lot of challenges and critics thought Policing.
He said sometimes Police officers step out of line from their policing duties and go beyond and use excessive force and abuse the rights of the people in the community.
He said as law enforcement officers they are not above the law and are subject to one Rule of Law.
The Constitution under Section 197 states clearly about Police Functions:
- Preserve Peace and Good order in the Country
- Maintain and enforce the law in an impartial and objective manner
The State has paid millions of kina through a civil lawsuit especially with the Police Department for the unlawful and illegal actions of Policemen/women throughout the course of duties and the Constabulary cannot continue to do such.
He hopes the workshop will educate and remind law enforcement officers of their duties and responsibilities.
Mr Yapu said there is a lot of bad publicity in the mainstream and social media on Police Brutality and abuse of Human rights by Law Enforcement officers and this has really tarnished the credibility and reputation of the force.
“The people and the community no longer have trust in the Police Force due to unlawful actions by a few rogue and undisciplined policemen.”
He said police must work closely with the Public and the community to restore back the Public confidence and respect the rights of the people to enable a better society to live in.
He thanked the officers from the Police Training College Bomana for coming to Manus to conduct such an important workshop.
