Residents in the capital can now be assured of their safety as police today announced the commencement of their Special operations as the days countdown to Independence. NCD/Central Division Commander, ACP Anthony Wagambie Jnr said police will now be executing their operation orders, and both Central Provincial Police Commander, Laimo Asi & NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika have received their orders and will be briefing their subordinates on what is expected of them this independence period. “All our policemen and women will be out in full force, both in NCD and Central Province to ensure that we celebrate this occasion very peacefully.” NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika said Papua New Guinea is a country with diverse cultures and traditions and NCD itself has a large concentration of people in the country, this in turn has resulted in the amalgamation & recognition of a variety of cultures, which impacts the Capital’s development. With the launch of NCDC’s Independence celebration program, preparations are underway, and the Met Supt. is anticipating opportunists will be out and about causing havoc. “We’ll have a lot of problems, and we’ll have a lot of crimes that will be committed at this time, so to speak. There is nothing secret about it.” Superintendent Sika has advised that police are prepared and will be out in full force this festive period with men from other police units in the capital. “On top of the existing metropolitan police units here in NCD, I also included reinforcements from support units such as the Special Services Division, Dog Units, National Fraud Squad, Water Police, everybody is coming on board to support us.” Almost 500 police personnel will be spread across the city conducting operations and ensuring police visibility on the ground and will be positioned in key areas prior to the start of the independence celebrations. 6 vehicles have also been released by the City Manager for police use during this time to conduct operations. Apart from this he stated that police will be checking people at their discretion, should they deem them to be a danger to the greater public. Foot patrols will also be conducted through this period.