The Bougainville Policing Service is looking to continue to implement its 5 year strategic development plan this year, after getting the go ahead from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. The BPS Commander in Chief, DCP Francis Tokura has advised that based on the strategic plan that was put forward last year for implementation, one of the key focus areas will be to focus on building the capacity of the BPS. “This is one of the major shortfall they are currently working towards and will be partly addressed by the recruitment exercise being conducted by the RPNGC.” He highlighted that there is a lack of manpower in the region, seeing 200 regular officers policing the population of Bougainville, which ranges between 400, 000 to 500, 000 people. Tokura adds that another issue they would be looking to address would be accommodation for members of the BPS. “We are trying to get more support from the ABG. When we start to recruit, you need to have accommodation as well for the members that are coming in and for those that are currently in the force.” He says much help is needed for them the ABG Govt. to enhance their logistical capabilities and that also covers transportation for all police stations in Buka, Arawa and Buin whilst also strengthening their capabilities along the border with Solomon Islands, South, Central and North Bougainville. Building capacity in communications is also another issue that was noted. With that, Chief Tokura has given thanks to the Australian Govt. for their assistance in the purchase of HFR Radios which are now being put to use in the Autonomous Region. He says since the purchase of these instruments have greatly increased the coverage of the BPS in the region and even to parts of Bougainville that in previous years have been a challenge to the BPS. They are now able to cover the coast of north and south Bougainville all the way to the border and the other outer lying atolls. Tokura says they have not planned a lot this year as he predicts that there could be potential shortfalls in funding but he is optimistic all will turn out good this year.