Police Commissioner David Manning has praised the new electronic application process, stating that it has been very effective in overcoming manipulation and nepotism, which has been a blight in the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) for years.
He said while there were some glitches as this is an entirely new system, they have been corrected and online recruiting will be used again in 2024 and 2025.
“The training program has been reviewed and modified so that recruits are put through more rigorous instruction that is effective in the modern policing environment. This involves the use of new technology, community policing methods and improved skills to deal with violent offenders.”
He added that the final round of interviews will be the most stringent in the application process, to ensure that the RPNGC can be confident that selected recruits are of high caliber.
Manning also mentioned that the constable and cadet officer training facilities at the National Centre of Excellence at Bomana have been enhanced in preparation for the new intakes in the coming years.
He added that the constabulary aims to commission Gusap and Poroma Barracks as Regional Training Centres to allow them to increase the number of recruits by 2025.
Apart from building appropriate infrastructure, the RPNGC also plan to build the capacity of instructors and management staff at the centres.