The Commissioner of Police congratulated the first lot of recruits and cadets for coming through a vigorous and lengthy recruitment process to be where they are right now.
Police Commissioner David Manning was speaking at the Bomana Centre of Excellence in the National Capital District when he addressed the first batch of 222 new police cadets and recruits at the commencement of their training.
Manning told the new recruits that the commencement of training was just the beginning of a long journey.
“Your nine (9) months of residential and practical sessions that you will undergo are very critical.”
“Both your intellectual capacity and attitude will determine whether you are the right person in character and have all ethical values to wear this uniform.
“Being here does not guarantee you to graduate. We will not fail you. It is you though your commitment to training, and your desire to serve our country and our people will sail you through. I want to see you all 222 graduating in 9 months.”
The Commissioner explained that the police recruitment and training will commence every 12 months until the Royal PNG Constabulary reached a ceiling of ten thousand.
This first batch of 222 people is part of a total of 509 people that were selected from the 13,039 shortlisted applicants for the 2023 recruitment.
The 509 includes 443 regular recruits and 66 cadets, will be undergoing intensive training for nine (9) months and three (3) years respectively.
The officer cadet training will commence in September, followed by the second batch of regular recruits in three (3) months.
Manning concluded his address by thanking the Marape-Rosso government for focusing on the law-and-order sector and its steadfast commitment to rebuilding the police force and its manpower going forward.