In 2021 Constable Jane Koma commenced with the Forensic Science Services – Lae Criminal Investigations Division.
As the only female police member in the Forensic Science Services in Lae, she hopes her success will motivate and inspire other women to take on specialist policing roles traditionally occupied by men.
Constable Koma stated, “other women do not stick around and challenge themselves to do something different, to extend themselves outside of their comfort zone. I hope I am an inspiration to other policewomen to show them that it can be done.”
Throughout her 11-year policing career Constable Koma has served with the Public Safety Unit, Cell Management Unit, and the Family Sexual Violence Unit.
Constable Koma was the cell database officer pioneer for the Lae Cell Management System, demonstrating she is no stranger to working outside her comfort zone.
In May 2022 Constable Koma successfully completed the two-week Scenes of Crime Officers Course (SOCO) 1/2022 at the Bomana Police Training College, this course was funded by the Australia Policing Partnership (PNG-APP), it was delivered by AFP Forensic members and supported by PNG-APP Advisors.
Eleven RPNGC members attended this course, including Constable Koma and another female member Detective Senior Constable Sheila Hakaiwa from Wewak SOS.
Participants on the course demonstrated skills in crime scene examination management, search techniques, sketching, note taking, photography and fingerprint examination.
Constable Koma returned to Lae with contemporary technical forensic expertise and looks forward to utilising her skillset in support of criminal investigations, “the role of a Forensic Science Officer is technically challenging and often dirty work, but I encourage other policewomen to challenge themselves” Constable Koma said.
Source: PNG-APP Advisors A/Insp Shauna Rule and Sgt Emma Beere for sharing Const Koma’s story