Concerns have been raised over the ground-breaking move by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s formation of a Sensitive Investigative Board as a crucial step in safeguarding the integrity of investigations concerning constitutional and statutory officeholders, professional journalists, and matters of national security, signalling a significant leap forward in ensuring accountability and integrity within the justice system. Announced by Police Commissioner David Manning on Friday 22nd March, the Board’s primary goal is to prevent politicization and misuse of power by those seeking to manipulate the investigation process for political games or ‘political witch hunts’ “(It) is long overdue… (and)… these employees of the state and media organizations should not be held to ransom by political opportunists manipulating the system’. “People are sick and tired of political opportunists filing dubious complaints against targets they want to remove, and that ultimately gets thrown out of court due to a lack of evidence,” he said after signing directions for the Board’s establishment. Investigations will be conducted transparently, adhering to legal norms and ethical standards, and by ensuring that all inquiries remain free from external influence as the Board aims to restore public trust in the investigative process. But the creation of the RPNGC Sensitive Investigation Board has ignited a spirited debate, particularly among opposition MPs such as East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and Sinesine Yongumugl MP Kerenga Kua, who have raised pertinent concerns regarding its composition and mandate. Chief among these concerns is the perceived lack of independence, as the Board comprises solely police chiefs, raising questions about potential bias and impartiality in critical investigations. But Commissioner Manning contends that: “Each member on the Board has a critical role to play…these are experienced and respected police officers, who have committed to serving their country as career professional police officers.” In terms of composition and Independence, the Board’s ex-officio members bring diverse expertise to the table where the police commissioner is part of the Board, emphasizing its significance, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) is responsible for administrative matters within the force, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Regional Operations) oversees policing activities across different regions, while Deputy Commissioner of Police (Specialist Operations) Manages specialized units such as fraud, cybercrime, and narcotics, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crimes) is focused on criminal investigations; and the Director Legal ensures legal compliance and due process. Further to that, Commissioner Manning revealed that if any member of the Board might have what could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest, they will take leave from discussing the relevant matter. “Investigations that are relevant to national security, that cover a range of issues including intelligence matters, weapons smuggling, and incursions of our sovereign territory, will come before the Sensitive Investigations Board,” Commissioner Manning added. However, the opposition, when citing past controversies such as the Paraka scandal, where Prime Minister James Marape remained uninvestigated despite others facing charges, highlighted the need for an independent body to handle high-profile cases, ensuring accountability and fairness. Again, the government contends that the Board's establishment aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the RPNGC, preventing undue influence and interference in sensitive investigations. Commissioner Manning puts it simply: “The stated purpose of the Sensitive Investigations Board is to ensure that criminal investigations are conducted in a transparent and accountable manner that upholds the Rule of Law….matters will be assessed on the merit of any evidence concerning the Law…(and) the Sensitive Investigations Board will also provide additional assurance for hardworking and honest employees of the State, and for members of the professional media, that they can focus on work they were employed to do with less concern of being unfairly targeted for exploitation.” As the Sensitive Investigation Board commences its operations, the public awaits further insights into its operational protocols, the handling of specific cases, and its commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness. Moving forward, the opposition's vigilance, ongoing dialogue, and public scrutiny will be crucial in holding the Board accountable and ensuring that it operates transparently, maintains the law, and upholds the principles of justice and impartiality.