OFF-DUTY POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED FOR EXTORTING MONEY

An off-duty police officer was arrested at Badili Police Station in Port Moresby city by two police cadet officers for eliciting a bribe from a detainee’s family.

The arrest took place on Monday 3rd November, after the two cadet officers observed the officer attempting to extort money from the family of a male-detainee who was in custody in relation to a vehicle accident.

The Internal Affairs Division responded and went to the Badili police cells where they obtained evidence and eyewitness statements.

The accused Member has been suspended from the RPNGC and will be charged with appropriate action taken through both disciplinary and criminal channels pending the outcome of the Internal Affairs report.

Commissioner of Police David Manning praised both Cadet Officers for their courage and integrity.

“These two young Police Cadet Officers are exactly the kind of police that Papua New Guineans want on the frontline as we rebuild the RPNGC to the level it was founded upon.”

“Their action in standing up to corruption is a testament to their training and their character.”

“The strength of character of our Police Cadets, and the professional education they receive through our training program is ensuring that these young leaders are not tempted by corruption or unprofessional behaviour.

Commissioner Manning said the Police Cadets made the arrest and detained the accused at the Badili Police Cells on the 3rd of November.

“The accused Member, who was off duty at the time, was observed demanding money from the family of a man who had been detained.”

“When the money was handed to and accepted by the Member, two Cadet Officers acted quickly to arrest and lock the extortioner in a Police cell.”

“That was a job well-done by these young Policemen, and it bodes well for a bright future in the RPNGC for them both.”