Sir John Pundari: Lack of discipline within police force to be explained

Police Commissioner David Manning has been summoned by the Police Minister Sir John Pundari, to immediately provide answers on the lack of discipline within the police force, as well as their uniforms.

Pundari said this in a statement, following his recent visit to Wabag, in the Enga Province, for the launching of the National Firearms Amnesty and Guns Buy Back Policy, and his road travel from Wabag Town to Lae.

He said that during his travel, he observed police personnel in several provinces wearing uniforms in tatters, mismatched shoes, poorly made badges, and varying shades of blue that undermine the identity and professionalism of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

Pundari also said that staff at the police headquarters in Konedobu, are always well attired in new uniforms and polished boots, while their colleagues in rural areas are left in rags.

He added that this disparity erodes morale, undermines public trust and embarrasses the Constabulary at the national level, and the Commissioner has been tasked to explain why this is happening within 14 days.

Sir John has instructed Commissioner Manning to explain how they have been procuring these police uniforms, how much they have spent since 2019, and whether they have any approved specifications for uniform materials and color standards.

Pundari said he also wants to know why there are multiple shades of blue, and poor-quality badges currently in circulation, as well as how uniforms are distributed nationwide, and why rural personnel are still wearing uniforms over 20 years old.

The police minister also said that the Marape Rosso government has provided a record budget allocation to the constabulary over the last seven years, but this is not showing among the constabulary.

Meanwhile, Pundari has instructed Police Commissioner David Manning, to ensure that chewing of betelnut while on duty, is treated as a disciplinary offence.

He said this after meeting and speaking to a policeman, who was chewing betel nut, while on duty along the Okuk Highway in his recent trip to the Enga Province.

The police minister described it as a disgraceful and unacceptable breach of discipline, and those who are caught chewing while on duty, will be disciplined, as well as their supervisors.

Pundari also said that he will be conducting unannounced visits to police stations and commands across the country, including the National Capital District, and he expects them to uphold all standards, beginning with uniforms, discipline, and appearance.

The minister also urged Manning and his senior management team to leave the comfort of their headquarters and engage directly with officers in the provinces and districts, to restore pride, professionalism, and discipline in the Constabulary.