PNG Police Chief Manning highlights community policing benefits of Bilateral Security Treaty with Australia

PNG  Commissioner of Police David Manning has welcomed the outcomes of bilateral security discussions taking place in Canberra this week, that he said will improve the day-to-day safety and security for communities in Papua New Guinea.

This includes support at the front-line of community policing operations through better training in modern policing methods, and the use of new technologies that can be deployed effectively in Papua New Guinea.

Commissioner Manning said from a security perspective, particularly under the leadership of Internal Security Minister, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili in taking an assertive ‘PNG First’ stance, the relationship with Australia has evolved and the views of PNG being properly taken into account.

Commissioner Manning said, “For too long PNG took whatever assistance was offered, and often this did not work with the logistical and geographical challenges we face in Papua New Guinea.

“Now our security counterparts in Australia are listening to us and respect that we know what we need to improve security in our country, and this is a positive outcome of these discussions.

“This is important that we advance the interests of PNG while at the same time contributing to sub-regional security, as such providing support to Australia and our other partners in the Pacific.

“From this Bilateral Security Treaty PNG is seeking training to be provided for our police personnel to improve skills and to enhance transparency in police operations.

Less lethal force

“This includes training in the use of less-than-lethal force to deal with hostile situations. Using tasers, pepper spray and similar means are effective in stopping a violent offender as the next step before the use of firearms, but they can only be used by properly trained police.

ICT

“In the upgrade of the information and communications technology required to strengthen our police force, we are looking for support to improve the use of digital technology in investigations and prosecutions.

“Our police stations must be better able to exchange information on suspects, criminal gangs and other people trying to operate outside the law.

“We cannot rely on systems and processes that have not changed much since Independence, and this includes the digitisation of paper records and the creation of databases that can be accessed throughout the country.

“It is important that the ICT support we receive can be used effectively throughout our provinces, and adapted to the challenges we face in remote and rural areas.

Forensic capabilities

“This bilateral agreement will also enable the RPNGC to take our forensic capabilities to the next level, so that we can more effectively process evidence that is presented in court.”

At an administrative level, the Commissioner said Australia will assist in closing the skill-gap throughout the middle management structure of the police force around the country.

AFP presence in provinces

“The PNG-Australia Policing Partnership will be enhanced in the areas that have been identified by the RPNGC and that includes having AFP Advisors work with provincial police commands.

“The majority of crimes occur outside Port Moresby and Lae, and this is where the policing partnership can be effective in improving standards and administration that is needed for improving law and order.

Family Sexual Violence

“As part of this support Papua New Guinea has sought technical support to assist in strengthening the RPNGC Family and Sexual Violence Unit.

“Gender-based violence is a serious problem in both of our countries, particularly in Australia’s indigenous communities as well as in urban areas. The RPNGC can draw on the experiences of Australian State and Federal police in dealing with gender-based violence both at the root causes, and also in the administration for the prosecution of abusers.”

Border security

Commissioner Manning said in terms of border security, the Bilateral Security Treaty will strengthen the capacity of the RPNGC and other security agencies to intercept and stop the illegal movement of drugs and guns.

“Border security is a major challenge with international criminals seeking to use PNG for transporting drugs into Australia, and for the smuggling of weapons from Australia into PNG.

“We will see an increase in joint operations between police and security elements in both countries and the enhanced sharing of relevant information.”

Overall, Commissioner Manning said the Bilateral Security Treaty is a positive advancement for the people of both countries, and for the RPNGC it is now a matter of working with security counterparts to finalise details for implementation.

“I thank my Australian counterparts for the way they have engaged in discussions at a policing level. We must now work carefully in the delivery of these improved support arrangements to ensure they will work in the PNG law and order context.

“Some of these joint initiatives can be implemented almost immediately, while others will take some time to ensure that they will be effective and make a real and tangible contribution to the enhanced security of both countries,” Commissioner Manning concluded.

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