by Edwin Fidelis – EM TV, Lae
Lae’s Metropolitan Superintendent Iven Lakatani has issued a stern warning to possible troublemakers that police will have no mercy on them.
Over 500 police and defence force personnel have been deployed to maintain order around the city during the PNG Games. The PNG Games police operation has begun this week and will continue for the next three weeks.
Police personnel in Lae won’t be taking any chances against possible troublemakers that may cause disturbances during the PNG Games.
Lae has been carrying a battered image of high crime rates but this negative view has been challenged. More than 500 police and PNGDF personnel have been deployed to provide security. Earlier today, Lae police boss Ivan Lakatani told his men:
“Those members of the public that have any evil intentions… I want you to stop it because the police will come down hard on you.”
Like any other major event, policing will remain a key element. Although the Lae police boss admits to a shortage of manpower, he has assured the visitors that his manpower will come in both heavy and handy.
“Our ratio is disproportionate… One police officer per every 1,000 members of the public. Many may see 500 personnel as inadequate but that number is adequate,” Lakatani said. Although the game officially opens this Sunday, these men and women are already at work.
They will navigate and patrol key zones, starting from Watarais all the way to the four corners of Lae City. Provincial teams have already begun flocking into Lae this week and many more, including spectators are expected to invade the city over the next two days.
The number of people on the streets is growing, as Lae anticipates a crowded town over the next four weeks.
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