05 November 2013
Australian Federal Police officers arrive to work alongside Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary
The first 30 Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers to be deployed to Papua New Guinea (PNG) under a new agreement arrived in Port Moresby on 4 November.
The deployment will see AFP officers working alongside their PNG counterparts in a program to boost community policing operations in PNG.
Speaking at the arrival, AFP Commissioner Tony Negus said that the expansion of the current arrangement leads us into Phase IV of the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership.
“The goal of our enhanced mission is, in partnership with the RPNGC, to continue to develop the capacity of the RPNGC to provide sustainable and quality policing to the people of PNG,” Commissioner Negus said.
“I would like to particularly thank Commissioner Kulunga, whose support to the PNG-APP has been fundamental to its recent success. Without his strong leadership and vision for the future of policing in Papua New Guinea, all of this would not have been possible.”
Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, Ms Deborah Stokes, said partnership is at the heart of the new deployment.
“The expanded police partnership between our two nations is a demonstration of the closeness of our two nations and our shared commitment to the rule of law and democratic values and institutions.”
The deployment will see 50 AFP officers in PNG by the end of the year. The AFP officers will serve in advisory roles, providing guidance and assistance in the following areas: community policing, station management and supervision, community liaison, traffic operations, criminal investigations and dealing with sexual offences.
The deployment will be led by Commander Alan Scott.
The deployment complements Australia’s $35 million support this year for broader law and justice system improvements that are increasing access to justice in PNG.
Infrastructure, technical, legal and development advisors work within PNG Government agencies through the PNG – Australia Law and Justice Partnership and the Strongim Gavman Program.
Australian funding and technical advisors supported the training of more than 4,500 police and other law and justice officials last year.