The country’s newest police officers, who graduated on Friday, May 24th, from the National Centre of Excellence, formerly known as the Bomana Police Training College, in the National Capital District, have been urged to remain disciplined, committed, and loyal in their law enforcement duties. Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Junior, the guest of honor at their passing out parade, emphasized this message to the 217 police graduates, 26 of whom are female, in the presence of Police Commissioner David Manning, heads of various law and justice agencies, diplomatic missions, and the graduates' families and friends. “I want to challenge and encourage you young men and women passing out today,” Minister Tsiamalili said. “You will be immersed in different parts of our country facing various challenges and temptations (so) always remember your pledge today—to remain disciplined, committed, and loyal to the uniform you wear.” The 217 recruits completed nine months of rigorous training, an extension from the previous six months, covering physical, spiritual, and mental challenges. “You could almost correlate those nine months to a newborn child,” Tsiamalili noted. “When you walk through that gate at Bomana, you come as an ordinary citizen (but) after nine months, you pass out as a solid officer of the state of Papua New Guinea.” Reflecting on the significance of the police force in the nation's identity, Tsiamalili stated, “In 1975, our forefathers envisioned a sovereign nation, and the police force was the identity that differentiated us as an independent state of Papua New Guinea.” He stressed the importance of ongoing supervision and mentorship for the new officers. “Supervisors, mentors, and respective commanders play a pivotal role in ensuring that what has been taught in training is applied and put into practice.” “The divisions receiving the graduates must ensure they are properly supervised and monitored.” Addressing the graduates directly, Tsiamalili urged them to maintain focus and integrity. “The temptation to conform to past practices is not the way to go,” he warned. “The people of Papua New Guinea deserve to be served by professional police who pride themselves on integrity and honesty.” Tsiamalili also expressed gratitude to the support staff, communities, and families of the graduates. "To all the grounds men that keep these grounds impeccable, and I want to thank the kitchen head, the staff in the kitchen that wake up every day to prepare the meals, three or six meals a day for these young men and women, and I want to also thank the communities that continue to support the young men and women who reside in the precinct." “Finally, on behalf of the police ministry, and I stand here also as the regional member for Bougainville, my family and I congratulate, not just the cadets, but all your families, and your mothers and fathers.” “We all should be proud of this very auspicious, and very significant moment in the history of our police force in the passing out of our 217 cadets in the year 2024.” “Congratulations once again, and may God continue to bless each and every one of you as you embark on your commitment to serve this beautiful country.”