Police Commissioner David Manning yesterday reintroduced the Commander rank of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary when promoting Superintendent Steven Francis to the rank of Commander and Chief of Staff to the Commissioner of Police.
This position replaces the current Executive Officer to the Commissioner of Police.
Mr Manning said the Commander rank was reinstated in light of recent internal security challenges and greater need for security coordination. Mr Manning said Superintendent Steven Francis has over 30 years of experience in security policy and planning both in the local and regional settings and was only fitting for him to be bestowed with the Commander rank to head reforms within the constabulary and line agencies.
“The Commander rank is made more relevant by the recently announced National Government ministerial reforms aimed to give more prominence to vital economic sectors and internal security,” Mr Manning said.
The Commander rank falls between the Assistant Commissioner rank and Chief Superintendent as the Chief of Staff in charge of the staff officers’ and the Constabulary Corporate Plan.
Commander Francis thanked Commissioner Manning for believing in him and for his vision to reform the constabulary given the current internal and external security challenges.
Also appointed Aide-De-Camp (ADC) was Inspector Silas Kuaino.