Senior police officers sign new work contracts

By ORCHY REX

Twenty-five senior police officers have signed three-year employment contracts with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), marking a historic shift toward performance-based leadership within the force.

The signing ceremony took place in Port Moresby yesterday involving high-ranking officers who have served the Constabulary for decades in key positions such as assistant commissioners, divisional commanders, superintendents and inspectors.

The contracts were executed under Section 133 of the Police Act, which states that: “Anyone promoted or appointed to a commissioned rank below Deputy Commissioner in the Regular Constabulary may be employed under a written contract between the Commissioner and that person.”

According to the Act, if a contract ends and is not renewed and the officer is not re-appointed, their appointment in the Force is terminated. However, if the contract is renewed, the officer is re-appointed without any break in continuity of service.

Police Commissioner David Manning clarified during the ceremony that the terms and conditions of the contracts were non-negotiable.

“It is a bit scary although it comes with many benefits and appraisals, but if the officers don’t perform well, they’re out from the police force,” Mr Manning said.

“From now on, your tenure as serving members are over. You’re now contract officers. As you sign your contracts, let’s focus on performance and accountability. We all want the same thing. We all want this police force to succeed, to be a police force that our people rightfully deserve.”

Bougainville Deputy Police Commissioner Francis Tokura reiterated the sentiment, describing the move as a challenge that would drive performance.

“It’s sort of a risk, but it makes us work harder. If the Commissioner decides not to renew the contract, that means you’re terminated from the force,” Mr Tokura said.

“It actually paves way for us to perform. Don’t be scared to sign those contracts.” The signing of these contracts marks a crucial turning point in the Constabulary’s ongoing efforts to enhance professionalism, performance, and accountability at the highest levels of leadership.