Assistant Commissioner for Police – Prosecutions, Pare Kuriap, has called for urgent improvements to resource allocation and collaboration within the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).
Speaking on August 9th during the Commission of Inquiry chaired by Justice Elenias Batari, Kuriap cited a lack of transportation for prisoners as a key issue, causing cases to be dismissed.
He also stressed the need for better cooperation between the prosecution and investigation units to improve case management and evidence sharing.
Kuriap highlighted several other critical problems affecting the force, including legislative gaps and a breakdown in discipline, particularly in rural areas.
Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) are unable to charge offenders under Section 19 of the Police Act without a commissioned officer present, which Kuriap said has led to declining discipline.
Additionally, Kuriap pointed to a lack of training for officers seeking promotion, noting that sergeant development programs have not been run in years.
He said this has resulted in unqualified officers being promoted to crucial roles, such as investigative positions, weakening the force’s overall effectiveness.
Kuriap called for legislative changes to empower NCOs in remote areas, along with improved training and resource distribution, to prevent further deterioration of discipline and functionality within the RPNGC.