In a first for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, command and control during the 2017 National Elections will come from the Divisional Commanders and Provincial Police Commanders.
Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Martin Lakari is warning the candidates and supporters in Western Highlands Province to control rowdy behaviour during this period.
Lakari said starting today the Police, PNG Defense Force and Correctional Service will do random car checks in the Province.
At least 100 PNGDF soldiers have arrived in Mt Hagen including Correctional Service and Mobile Squads to assist the Electoral Commission as the Response unit in the Highlands.
Each Mobile Squad unit has already been deployed to the other seven Highlands Provinces as off yesterday.
PPC Lakari said starting today the security forces will conduct dawn raids on suspicious hotspots of crime and illegal activities in the Province.
There will also be random car checks for illegal possession of firearms and weapons.
Lakari said Police bail on minor crimes such as assault, petty crimes, drunk and disorderly and other major crimes will increase from K200 to K1000 and above.
He said police will refuse bail on those who are found to be in possession of unlicensed firearm.
PPC Lakari added that they will be freed after the declaration.
Those campaign vehicles with bush leaves and trees are also asked to be removed or face penalty by the security forces. PPC Lakari is confident that he will have enough security personnel on ground to provide a free, fair and safe election.
However he urged candidates to take full responsibility and control their supporters and their illegal activities.
