The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary has marked 128 years of its existence.
The Constabulary began as two separate forces in German New Guinea and British Papua. In June 1888, the pre-war German administration established a police force. In 1891, the British established another force in British Papua. Governor, Sir William McGregor, later ordered the amalgamation of the German and British forces after the war.
The formation of what was called the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary, paved way for the creation of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the Papua New Guinea Fire Service.
Speaking at a function marking the occasion, Police Commissioner Gari Baki, acknowledged those who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
Since being recalled from retirement, Baki has worked to reform the Constabulary by creating 11 assistant commissioner posts and dividing up large commands to make policing easier.
“Despite the challenges, we must continue to move forward,” said Commissioner Gari Baki.
“As commissioner, it is my job to make sure that the constabulary maintains stability to ensure growth is uninterrupted.”
The occasion tonight was attended by the Governor General, Sir Michael Ogio, former police commissioners and the PNG Defence Force Commander.
