The Community Policing Initiative under the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is gaining momentum and contributing to reduce crime rate in the city at a minimum level.

Under the Medium-Term Development Plan 4 (MTDP 4), it highlights that Metropolitan Cities must introduce programs or initiatives that will help minimize or eliminate crime in the cities.

This is according to National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent, Warrick Simatab, when interviewed by PNG HAUSBUNG today.

Simatab is very pleased with the roll-out of the Community Policing Initiative or Program that is gaining momentum in Port Moresby and Lae cities. The City Warden program, as well as the Community Watch program established in various suburbs and centers around the city, has been very helpful to police operations.

He further states that policing work is not only the responsibility of police but for every resident in the city, if they are serious about minimizing the rate of crime. So far, he is very pleased with the response of a few communities that are working in close collaboration with the police in ensuring that the safety of their communities and families remains a top priority.

“We the police have now changed our way of approach to dealing with any situations or matters that breach the law. We are now becoming more proactive rather than being reactive,” says the Metropolitan Superintendent.