Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) members of the National Capital District and Central Provincial Police Command, hosted the Divisional Commander’s Parade today at the Gerehu Sports Center in Port Moresby city.
Members from NCD and Central Command turned up well-groomed and well-dressed and their police uniforms marched into the arena with precision and professionalism, to the amusement of the public in the Gerehu suburb and the invited dignitaries that were present to witness the occasion.
The Parade was conducted to celebrate and acknowledge the recent appointment and confirmation of Benjamin Turi as the Assistant Commissioner of Police – NCD/Central Divisional Command.
Provincial Police Commander of Central – Joseph Salle and NCD Metropolitan Superintendent – Warrick Simatab were present, to accompany ACP Turi for the Inspection of the Parade, which had the parade host impressed with the professionalism showed by the members.
In his address, ACP Turi reminded the members of the theme of today’s parade, which is ‘Reset, Focus on the Next Generation Officers for this Constabulary’.
He told the officers that, for thirty years he served the RPNGC with commitment, pride and dignity. And he will be leaving the force in the next five to six years, as well as the other senior ranked officers that are currently serving in their respective positions.
“We must now prepare you the young officers standing here. As all of us commanders, we must prepare you for the future moving forward, and you officers will be the next group taking the constabulary forward. The parade is a lesson to you all, that you will learn what it's like as an officer, you feel the pride marching on.”
“Remember that you officers in NCD and Central are the face of Papua New Guinea. NCD is a Mini version of Papua New Guinea. We are handling and dealing with people from different tribes, cultures, even Foreigners here. This is a mini–Papua New Guinea and you are the face of Papua New Guinea,” said Turi.
His added that, as the Commander of parade like this, it is his duty to stress out the duties and responsibilities of every policeman and policewoman under this command. As there is a code of ethics that every officer has to follow while serving their time as police officers of the RPNGC.
Turi challenged the officers to take time to reflect on their duties and ask themselves about their roles as police officers. He urged them to identify their weaknesses and start improving their performances, by maintaining punctuality, be responsible and attentive to cases and situations that need police assistance.
He further stressed the importance on the role of a police officer is to always remain neutral in their investigations, while strongly discourage the practice of nepotism, bribery and other illegal practices within the police force.
“All handling of cases must be treated as per our directive that we know in the Standing Order of the Constabulary. If you need to improve in your performance, then do so and don’t be complacent and lazy. If you know you’re one of these officers, you need to start doing something or you will end up finding yourself in trouble,” emphasized Turi.
Apart from the other issues highlighted by ACP Turi in his speech, he mainly emphasized on discipline and professionalism in the Police force.
He concluded by elaborating to the officers that the Constabulary has regulations, rules and standing orders that follow the chain of command. And they have to abide by these regulations and laws to maintain order, discipline and professionalism for the good name of the RPNGC.
