by Bridgette Komatep – EM TV, Port Moresby
No fitness, or the lack of it in the police force, has contributed to poor police performance.
This was revealed in a research conducted by Police Human Resources Management Director Chief Superintendent Johannes Yapi.
The research was part of a Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC) Senior Leadership Development Program supported by the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Following the week-long training, Chief Superintendent Yapi revealed through his research that every year, 45 policemen die due to lifestyle diseases. It costs around K50,000 to repatriate the deceased back to their place of origin for burial.
Yapi recommended that the RPNGC maintain its fitness training programs, not only during recruitment but after as well.
Although the RPNGC has a health and fitness policy in place, it has yet to be implemented. Yapi believes that having an effective fitness program means having an effective workforce.
His research was among other senior management officers who participated in the week-long leadership program.
This is the third batch to participate in the series of Senior Leadership Development Programs conducted by the RPNGC and the AFP through the Australian Institute of Police Management.
Other participants included Jiwaka Provincial Police Commander Joseph Tondop, who pushed for a community policing concept, while Goroka Police Station Commander Chief Inspector John Daviaga recommended that police maintain disciplined at all times.
PPC Central Chief Inspector Laimo Asi, following his research, recommended for recruits to be customer service-oriented when dealing with the public.
The youngest amongst the group, Chief Inspector Gideon Ikumu, who is the Acting ACP Reform, recommended that police utilise information from OB reports as part of intelligence information to understand how the criminal world operates.
The senior officers were presented their awards and certificates at the officer’s mess at Bomana Police College.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Lh4mTpkFdDs%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
