by Martha Louis – EM TV News, Lae
Senior Judge for Morobe province, Justice Don Sawong, has said there is a growing concern about the behavior of a minority of those within the disciplinary forces in the country.
Sawong made these remarks following the opening of the legal year in Lae.
The issue of a lack of discipline goes beyond boundaries and professions.
Sawong told members of the law and justice sector that over several years there have been reports of bad behaviour by a few members of the disciplinary forces.
In the RPNGC, Police Commissioner, Gari Baki, announced 2016 as the year of discipline for the police force.
Baki’s orders point out serious issues on a lack of discipline within the police force.
Sawong asked why there are increasing incidents of ill-discipline being committed each year.
Despite many policemen and women being charged and dismissed from the police force, this kind of attitude still remains.
He made recommendations that selection and training of personnel be reviewed, adding the training of personnel in the disciplinary forces should be at least 12 months and selection should be from Grade 12 graduates at a minimum.
Currently, the new recruits undergo just six months of training before they graduate.
Sawong also reminded personnel of the oath they took and to serve with honesty. The ill-discipline is not only evident in the disciplinary forces.
Some lawyers’ behaviours also leave a lot to be desired. He added these acts are of a criminal nature and it is important that they are reminded of the oaths they took.
