Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent John Sagom is urging police officers in the province to be disciplined and committed to their mandated duties at all times.
Mr Sagom mentioned a decline in the conduct of officers in performing their mandated duties are concerned.
He further stated that discipline in punctuality to work has dropped, affecting daily policing in the province.
“Policemen and women are still chewing betel nuts whilst in police uniform and even attending complaints at the duty counter as well. This is very disgusting and immediate supervisors must take actions against those officers,” Mr Sagom said.
“According to Section 197 of the constitution, police officers have a greater task ahead of them and must not shy away from their constitutional roles and functions.”
“In order to meet the standard required for policing in the third city of the country the level of policing must be stepped up.”
Thanks to PPC Sagom, the police will be working in partnership with the Mt. Hagen City Council to declare a war on illicit substances, betelnut, armed conflict.
Police Foot Patrols will also become a norm in the city.
“I want to see all police units remain within the city until the public leaves to their respective homes.”
“Our Provincial Government, City Commission, and business communities are eager to support us and we must prove to them how best we can deliver policing services in the city.”
“There must be a radical change in the way we conduct police business. I will not be sitting in the office or resting but will be working together until our city is safe for everyone.”
He added, “We must always have this question in our minds that are we doing enough for the province and the country we are serving in terms of law and order.”
PPC Sagom said there was no time to sleep and be complacent and is calling for a radical change in the way police operate and portray themselves.