COMMUNITIES across Papua New Guinea are expected to benefit from improved safety and stronger justice services following the rollout of a new training initiative for Volunteer Probation and Parole Officers (VPOs).
The training program, delivered through a partnership between the Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG) and the Australia–PNG Law and Justice Partnership, aims to equip community-based officers with the skills needed to support offenders serving community sentences and help reduce reoffending.
The first five-day workshop was held in Daru last month, where 25 Volunteer Probation and Parole Officers participated in practical training designed to strengthen their ability to supervise and support offenders in their communities.
Volunteer officers play a critical role in Papua New Guinea’s justice system. Working closely with Probation and Parole Services, courts, parole boards, families and local leaders, they help monitor offenders, encourage positive behaviour
change, and support individuals as they reintegrate safely back into their communities.
During the workshop, participants were trained in a range of areas including interviewing techniques, case management, supervision and monitoring, conducting home visits, record keeping, report writing, ethics, and basic counselling. The program also addressed how officers should respond when offenders fail to comply with their probation or parole conditions.
Participants also explored ways to guide offenders toward positive life changes and help them rebuild their lives after involvement with the justice system.
Elizabeth Mirio from DJAG said the training was already strengthening justice services at the local level.
“Volunteer Probation Officers are often the first point of contact between the justice system and the community. This training helps them work safely, fairly and effectively, while supporting rehabilitation and protecting the public,” she said.
More training sessions are planned for other provinces throughout 2026, with a particular focus on reaching remote and hard-to-access areas.
The program highlights the shared commitment between Papua New Guinea and Australia to building a justice system that is fair, effective and focused on creating safer communities for all Papua New Guineans.