The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) continues to prove that policing is a professional career, when celebrating 35 graduates who achieved a major milestone in the Prosecutions Qualifying Program.
The ceremony, held at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby city last Wednesday, marked not only the academic achievement of its participants but also the continued evolution of the nation’s policing standards.
Delivered through the long-standing Papua New Guinea–Australia Policing Partnership (PNG-APP), the program was designed in line with the PNG National Qualifications Framework.
The initiative has served as a transformative force for the Bomana National Centre of Excellence (NCoE).
Also, through this program, the RPNGC’s training college successfully obtained registration as a recognized Private Training Provider.
The program is an intensive four-year course, divided into two years of theoretical study and two years of practical prosecution training, delivered through three stages:
1. Distance Education
2. Residential School
3. Court Assessment Phase
Addressing the graduates, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Operations), Donald Yamasombi challenged the graduates to view their roles as lifelong careers.
“The constabulary must be seen as a potential employer, an employer of choice. You can make a career out of the police force and prosecutions is one area.”
“You can be a detective. You can also join the SSD (Special Services Division) if you want to be out there…on deployments.”
“The constabulary is not just about going after crooks, you can build a career within the organization if you give that full commitment.”
Among the graduates was Senior Constable Eugene Wanai and his wife, Constable Telita Wanai. The couple stood side-by-side, having completed the non-residential portion of the course. Their journey continues as they prepare for a final six-week intensive residential school to qualify for their diplomas.
The Wanais are already making a tangible impact in Madang. Beyond their legal duties, they spearheaded a "Clean-a-thon" initiative which reached its one-year anniversary this May.
Currently serving as the Acting Officer in Charge (OIC) for Prosecutions in Madang and the Provincial Prosecution Training Officer, Senior Constable Wanai oversees a team of five.
Speaking to PNG Haus Bung, he acknowledged that many officers shy away from prosecution work.
“From my observation, not many officers like to join prosecutions,” Wanai noted, adding that while many have their reasons, the benefits are clear.
He highlighted that prosecution expertise provides a robust pathway for a career within the force or a transition into private law and specialized roles, such as national fisheries prosecution.
As these graduates return to their posts, they carry more than just certificates; they carry the responsibility of professionalizing the justice system, one case at a time.
