NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika has called for urgent reforms to address the corruption within the police force in the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province. Speaking at the NCD/Central Command police parade in Port Moresby on Friday, May 15, Met. Supt Sika emphasized the significant impact corruption has on effective policing, urging officers to cease misconduct that wastes taxpayer money and tarnishes the police force's reputation. “We all know that these parades, quarterly parades, for the last four months are very, very important and critical and they are spread out clearly under CSOs and administrative manuals that every PPC, PSCs, MSUFs, right down to PSCs must deliver what is on the constabulary standing orders to ensure that we are encouraged to address issues.” “And that is why it is important, firstly, for me as a commander, a Metro commander, to ask the Commander to reflect on the three or four months that we performed, and we delivered our police service to the entire city.” “What we've achieved, the challenges, what we've encountered, our best that we can post here in this manner, and we can capture our issues, challenges, and we can journey together to the unknown journey, the future.” “That is why it is important whether, importantly, we maintain our votes to uphold the position or we become part of the criminals. We become part of the problem in the four months.” “Ladies and gentlemen, we NCD Police without unprecedentedly former divisional commander Mr. Junior Wagambie and I, we created a phenomenon here which should not have happened,” he said referring to the January 10th Black Wednesday events. “And today, ladies and gentlemen, to be honest with you and everybody, the perception of the public and even the government and the general public, they have lost trust and confidence in every one of us, especially in the Metropolitan Command. “In this situation and I must give this straight to every one of us - this must not be repeated!” “Whether you are from Central Police, Command, whether any from a support unit in the city, I appreciate your professionalism, I appreciate you being enlisted in the RPNGC, passing through the two white pillars of the gate, coming with the oath and promise, but it went dead down the drain (on January 10th), which I will never forget.” “We need to change, and this must not be the repeat service to our citizens in this beautiful city and the beautiful nation as well.” “We have so many issues, and we have created our own issues.” “Even though we did not change from what was witnessed on January 10th, we did not change from there.” “Certain policemen in the city, for instance, motor traffic offenses, they are only interested in one common offense, and that is unloading; unloading of motor vehicle, even if it's a family or a PMV.” “This is the trend, and everybody knows that the perception and the mindset, the intention is extortion of money, extortion of our people and citizens, robbing our citizens, broad daylights, knowingly, using this very uniform.” “It's a blessing in disguise, and has been a great failure and misery recently, and this is evident, and unbecoming of a man who is trying to enforce the rule of law.” “We can't afford to see this for the next four to five months all the way to December.” Sika acknowledged the dedicated and honest officers within the force but stressed that systemic change is necessary to restore public trust and enhance law enforcement. “While I commend there are very dedicated, committed, honest men and women standing here.” “I will always commend the best efforts that others are doing, but the weight of the scale is imbalanced.” "We need to balance everything properly," Sika said, highlighting that the scales currently tip more heavily towards corruption. “That's the way forward for us, Metropolitan Command, as we've destroyed ourselves and people think like they can run through us - we are open game; you are open game!” “You are untrusted, and even I will appear untrustworthy!” “This is the message I believe if the ACP NCD/Central Divisional Commander Anthony Wagambie was here, he would be delivering the same message to every one of us.” “Get ready for the Divisional Commander's Parade at the end of June; it's coming, and I want every individual member to be present, both Central and NCD to be here on that occasion as well.” “We have a lot of issues, even on the print news, even the TV.” “The media is not interested in the beautiful, the nice story about you, behind the job that you do, I'm sorry to say this, but it's a reality that paints a bad image of RPNGC and Papua New Guinea.” Pointing to his mobile phone, he further said, “With this technology, within a split second, they can see it in America or USA or China, wherever, affecting development and growth for the country and for investors to come in.” “You and I are the chief of law and order and security and national security of this country and in this particular city here. If you are semi-educated and you continue to do all these things, you better stop here.” He also pointed out the importance of maintaining professionalism, which is crucial for national security and attracting investment to Papua New Guinea. During the parade, Sika also expressed gratitude to the National Capital District (NCD) City Manager, Frank Ravu for his support in making the event possible and acknowledged the efforts of the events committee. To the police personnel, Sika reiterated the need for continuous professional conduct and adherence to the constabulary's standing orders, emphasizing that officers must reflect on their performance and address the issues and challenges faced in their duty. Sika warned that continued misconduct would not be tolerated, urging officers to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities. “If you are semi-educated and you continue to do all these things, you better stop because your days are numbered.” "We must change for the better," he stated, calling for improved investigative techniques and procedures to ensure successful prosecutions. He also announced plans for reshuffling personnel to prevent stagnation and promote a more dynamic and effective policing environment. He said his call for a change comes at a time when many people distrust the police because of obvious corruption and bad behavior. He said the events of January 10th also painted the police in a bad light. Sika's remarks aim to galvanize the force towards a future where professionalism and integrity are paramount, thereby restoring the public's faith in their protectors. Superintendent Sika's address was a clarion call for change within the NCD police force, emphasizing that the path forward requires a commitment to honesty, professionalism, and a collective effort to uphold the law and serve the community with integrity. “You better wake up because when you are sleeping that means to me that you are a hypocrite and you are slack, and this must stop!” “We are wasting taxpayers’ money!” He concluded his parade speech by pointing out that these reforms and actions proposed are critical steps for the NCD/Central police personnel and the police force in ensuring a safer and more trustworthy environment for the citizens of Papua New Guinea.