The reinstated Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Commissioner of Police, David Manning has emphasized the need for the development of community-based leadership in addressing crime.
Manning upon his return to the position of top cop believes that building community leaders to address law and order issues is an avenue to help out policing of laws, especially in rural and remote areas where the demand for policing is a need.
He pointed out that there has been a significant deterioration in community leadership said there is much needed to be done to bring back the responsibility of cooperation with the police and communities to ensure safety and security.
“It’s high time that we draw the line and make sure that we understand what needs to be done.”
“We need to start working on empowering our community-based leadership.”
“That is where the majority of our people exist.”
He added that where they are able to identify a significant gap, whilst focusing on Provincial and national leadership in recent times, there has been a significant deterioration of community leadership.
He said the RPNGC will be standing up their Auxiliary and Reservist Force purposefully to be the eyes and the ears of the police in communities and the enabling factor for constructive dialogue and order in rural areas.