Assistant Commissioner Jim Andrews switched on the new K5.7 million (AUD$2.5 million) RPNGC radio communications network today, connecting local police throughout PNG with the new National Operations Centre at Police Headquarters in Konedobu.
This key piece of infrastructure delivered in partnership with the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership will allow police to communicate with each other throughout PNG during the upcoming National General Elections.
The National Operations Centre will act as a hub for the new national radio communications network and provide a nerve centre for the unified police operations support for the elections, linking local patrols to their Provincial Police Commands (PPCs) and on to Police HQ.
‘The RPNGC has a strong tradition of serving the people of PNG and our number one priority is to work towards rebuilding the nation’s confidence in our organisation. This network is a prime example of upgrading RPNGC capabilities to improve our core policing functions.’
Assistant Commissioner Andrews announced that access to the network would soon be shared with local communities and businesses.
‘After the elections, truck drivers along the Highlands Highway will be able to use frequencies on the network to communicate with each other and contact police, making these roads much safer’, said AC Andrews.
The new network includes 600 handheld or vehicle mounted mobile radios, 180 base station radios, 19 repeaters and a suite of new computers and servers for PPCs linking police across PNG.
Speaking from Southern Highlands Province, Commissioner Kulunga said: ‘This communications network is the next step on the path to the future of policing in PNG, ensuring the RPNGC can communicate effectively throughout the provinces.’
