By Vasinatta Yama – EM TV News – Port Moresby
Hosted by the Australian Federal Police, a police investigation workshop has begun today in the nation’s capital, Port Moresby.
The workshop is designed to improve the general approach to police investigation of criminal cases, which can lead to successful convictions in court.
Bomana Police Training College Commandant, Chief Inspector Perou N’Dranou, challenged the police force regarding the low percentage currently being seen in terms of convictions, primarily due to a lack of investigation prior to cases being heard at the District and Committal Court levels.
There are at least two to three cases that are being thrown out of the Waigani Committal Court each day due to a lack of police investigation and evidence being presented in court.
Complainants on many occasions have a bad impression of the force, especially prosecutors, when cases are dismissed and offenders are set free.
When giving his opening remarks, the Commandant told attendees that a prosecutor’s success in convicting offenders hinges heavily on the preparation of thorough case files.
The training workshop will help equip investigators with proper skills in conducting interviews, obtaining proper statements from witnesses, and gathering evidence.
In March this year, EMTV reported on a lack of effective police prosecuting, the type required to master today’s criminal activities.
Discussions are also underway with the Police Training College and the NCD Prosecution and Criminal Investigation Division to conduct a workshop to find alternatives to address the high dismissal rate of police cases at the District and Committal Court levels in Port Moresby.
