Pacific Media Watch Newsdesk
Papua New Guinea’s new Police Minister Bryan Kramer intends to run a social media program where the public can get in touch with him directly, reports Loop PNG.
The newly sworn in minister said that this initiative would ensure he plays a major role in keeping the citizens of PNG safe.
Complaints regarding the police force can be raised with Kramer, and if justified, he will bring them directly to the Police Commissioner.
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“And if they confirm that the complaints are justified, then we will take appropriate actions according to the law,” said Kramer.
“My immediate concern is that Papua New Guineans feel safe. Mums and dads can go home, catch the bus, go to the store, send their kids to school, send their kids to the store and know that they’ll come back safe.
“Locking up corrupt politicians and corrupt foreigners are secondary issues.”
Kramer said that as minister he does not have the powers to arrest nor direct any member of the force to do anything.
“The function of the Police Minister is policy,” he said.
Kramer will be looking at addressing the administrative issues of the force, including the ageing workforce, resources, capacity building and discipline.
“We don’t have the powers to discipline, but in terms of who that commissioner is, we guide him and provide some degree of advice to him to uphold the rule of law.
“Everyone will be subject to the rule of law.”
