5 Aug 2013

Former PNG police chief calls for action on 9 year old review

3:06 pm on 5 August 2013

A former Papua New Guinea police commissioner says any future Australian aid to the country's police must act on the findings of the review of the Royal Papua New Constabulary.

The 2004 Police Review Report outlined ways to overcome corruption, the lack of resources and poor morale in the PNG force.

It is seen as the blueprint for the force to fulfill its constitutional obligations but no government has yet acted on any of its recommendations.

The former commissioner Gari Baki says the review findings must be incorporated into any new aid arrangement with Australia.

The earlier Enhanced Co-operation Programme was cancelled in 2005 after the Supreme Court ruled it was inconsistent with the PNG constitution.

Mr Baki says any new arrangement involving Australian police would require them to be sworn in as serving PNG officers, wearing the same uniforms, driving the same vehicles, working in the provinces, and walking and talking the same language.