Police Commissioner David Manning announced several transfers in the police commands to confront emerging criminal challenges, including special policing zone. He said demands on police resources are evolving as security threats are facing the nation, including organized crime on the borders of PNG, and the security environment in both Enga and Hela. “Demands on police resources are evolving as the security threats facing the Nation and the RPNGC continue to adapt to confront these challenges,” the Commissioner said. “In particular a combination of organized crime infiltration through the borders of Papua New Guinea and other countries has changed the criminal landscape and the law-and-order response. “The infiltration of international criminal networks, the misuse of communications technologies, and the rise of a gun culture in the country are key challenges that require us to adapt how we do business.” “In terms of direct policing, this has included dealing with the interrelated smuggling of weapons and ammunition, the movement of illicit drugs, money laundering and people trafficking for prostitution.” This means getting the right personnel with capacity and experience into the roles to deal with them, and the update in command positions in the police force will further strengthen the delivery of security services as the Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC) continues to rebuild. Commissioner Manning revealed in a statement that one of the most notable changes is the creation of the role of Commander for the Special Policing Zone (SPZ) that is being established to rebuild law and order in Enga, Southern Highlands and Hela Provinces. “The security environment across Enga, Hela and Southern Highlands Provinces has shifted considerably over the past fifteen years. Police and Provincial administrations working with a new generation of community and their leaders and refocusing efforts to bring back law and order to our communities.” “This is yielding results as we saw last weekend with the arrest of a prominent business leader from Enga and his cronies, and with the SPZ Commander in place this action will be stepped up.” “A/Divisional Commander Joseph Tondop has been appointed as SPZ Commander in a role that will be concurrent as Divisional Commander for Highlands Western Command.” The statement further reveals that in addition to the new position of SPZ Commander, the position of ACP for Internal Affairs has been created to support the ongoing governance evolution of the RPNGC into the modern world. “Superintendent Emil Alpha has been promoted to the position of ACP for Internal Affairs tasked with strengthening and enforcing internal RPNGC governance and ethics, and the removal of unethical or undisciplined police.” “The immediate task of ACP Alpha is to lead a fearless review of the Internal Affairs Department. This is to determine what administrative and legislative reforms are required to improve the effectiveness of Internal Affairs, and to clear all backlogged matters within 12 months.” “The establishment of ACP Internal Affairs paves the way for an empowered Directorate, to be supported by an Executive Director through our international recruitment strategy.” “The role of Executive Director will bring a wealth of independence and policing experience to support ACP IAD in his task of professionalizing our Police Force.”