Police ‘beefing up’ for Games

PORT MORESBY – Police in Port Moresby have received new vehicles as part of an extensive build up of security operations surrounding the 2015 Pacific Games.

Police Special Services division director acting Chief Superintendant Samson Kua this week took ownership of the 28 vehicles which include 23 new Toyota Land Cruiser troop carriers and five Nissan Patrol station wagons.

Supt Kua said the Nissan Patrol wagons would be used by the specially trained Quick Response Unit (QRU).

He said the QRU consists of the police Air Tactical Unit (ATU) and selected section of PNG Defence Force soldiers.

Supt Kua said of the 23 10-seater vehicles, 16 would be distributed to the police Southern Mobile Group (SMG), including mobile squads based at their headquarters at McGregor barracks outside Port Moresby.

He said three of the vehicles would be allocated to National Security Unit which is part of the SSD but are specially assigned to look after very important people like prime ministers, opposition leaders and Prince Andrew during his visit to open the games.

Supt Kua said his men have trained and are well prepared and geared up to provide security for the athletes, officials and the general public during the two weeks Games’ period.

He said the QRU who would also use air transport for surveillance and respond swiftly to any critical security situations uprisings in the Games.

Supt Kua said three mobile squad units from outside Port Moresby would also be used to “beef up” the manpower strength required for the SSD during the Games operations.

Supt Kua said the security operations for the Games begins on Friday in Port Moresby where the SSD units would assist the Metropolitan Superintendent and National Capital District commander to clean up the city in preparations for the Games.

Port Moresby’s National Capital District governor Powes Parkop has urged officers to maintain a high standard of policing during the Games.

He said the Pacific Games was an opportunity to change the city’s image and the nation which had been disfigured over the years.

“Let us all maintain a high standard of safety for everyone and in a clean environment,” Parkop said.

A two-pronged operation started last week with an organised the clean-up of the city, and a campaign promoting awareness on physical cleanliness – especially with the use of betelnut and general littering.

Parkop said issues with petty crimes such as pick-pocketing, harassment and drunkenness were also being attended to.

The second phase would be the security operations during the period of Pacific Games, focusing on the safety of foreign visitors and local spectators.

Central divisional commander Jerry Frank said the public also had the responsibility of assisting the police do their job and adhering to the objectives that they are trying to achieve for a friendly, safe and clean environment.

The Pacific Games start on July 4 and end on July 18.