On Friday, August 9th, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Peter Guinness, acting Commander for the NCD/Central Divisional Command addressed critical concerns regarding the police-to-population ratio in the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province.
Speaking at the NCD/Central Divisional Command parade at the Unagi Oval, he noted that the current ratio in NCD is “one policeman to every 1,300 or 1,400,” significantly higher than the United Nations’ recommended ratio of “one policeman to 450 people.”
This disparity, according to the ACP, is particularly troubling given the rapid population growth and urbanization in Port Moresby.
He said that in Central Province, the situation is similarly dire, with fewer than 200 police personnel responsible for a population of over 300,000 spread across a vast area.
The ACP pointed out the issue of inadequate rural police stations, saying.
“The distance between Brown River and Doha Police Station is wide.”
“We do not have a rural police station situated along the Heritano Highway or the Magi Highway.”
The ACP further stressed the need for increased police resources and infrastructure, including the creation of three megastations for each of the three electorates in NCD and improvements in barracks accommodation.
He urged government to address these deficiencies to ensure effective policing and public safety in both NCD and Central Province.