More than 300 police officers from across the Pacific are expected to support the country security operations during the 2027 National General Election.
Police Minister Sir John Pundari said the planned deployment reflects PNG's growing role in regional policing and its commitment to strengthening security cooperation across the Pacific.
Sir John said PNG is no longer simply receiving police support from regional partners but is also contributing to policing efforts across the region.
“Papua New Guinea is not just a recipient of police support. We are contributing to the policing work in the Pacific region,” Sir John said.
He said more than 300 Pacific police officers are expected to assist PNG during the 2027 election.
“Coming, these elections, our brothers from the Pacific will all come. All will come and help us in providing security in our time of elections. Maybe more than 300 will come,” he said.
Sir John said the Pacific officers will work alongside the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and other security personnel to support a peaceful and secure election. The planned deployment forms part of a broader Pacific policing partnership, with officers from different Pacific nations already training together in Australia.
“This training will come up to Brisbane, in Australia. Australia is bringing all these policemen together as mates, as comrades, to unite together for policing work in the region,” Sir John said.
He said the joint training is designed to prepare Pacific police officers to respond collectively to regional challenges, including civil unrest, disasters and climate related emergencies.
According to the Police Minister's briefing, more than 300 Pacific police officers from 10 countries have already been trained at the Pinkenba training hub in Australia through 10 deployment training programs. The briefing also says 70 police personnel from 12 countries have been deployed on three operational deployments under the Pacific Police Support Group.
Sir John also highlighted the role of RPNGC Commissioner David Manning in strengthening PNG's leadership within the regional policing partnership.
“I must take my hat off to our Commissioner at his level, providing that leadership in our part of the region,” Sir John said.
PNG is also leading the development of a proposed Pacific Policing Body, known as PACPOL, aimed at strengthening cooperation between police forces across the region.
Sir John said PNG's position as the largest Pacific nation gives it an important leadership role in developing the regional policing framework.
“PNG is the largest Pacific Nation and we are leading from the front in the evolution of PACPOL,” he said.
He said stronger regional policing cooperation will help Pacific countries respond to international criminal networks and provide specialist support when countries face major security challenges.
“PACPOL will provide opportunity for us to both support, and be supported by, our brother and sister police forces in the region during times of challenge, disaster, or when specialist skills are required,” Sir John said.
Sir John said the regional partnership will strengthen PNG's capacity to provide security during the 2027 National General Election while also contributing to wider peace and security across the Pacific.
