Madang police told to serve people with dignity, improve dressing standard

Policemen and women in Madang Province have been told to serve the people with dignity.

They have also been urged to improve their dressing standard, "to look like police officers with integrity."

Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim said during a recent parade, "I am not asking you to look for new uniforms, new berets, or new shoes. I am asking you to come with whatever resources you have, whether they are old or not, at least wash them, iron them, and polish them so you look good during parades."

He told them that proper dressing commands respect from the public.

PPC Baim has observed that there is a general decline in the standard dressing code of policemen and policewomen in Madang Province; a practice that is not in line with what they were taught at Bomana Police College.

He said, "Some of us are trying to become a criminal because our uniform does not portray the image of a police officer. Our uniform alone attracts public admiration and respect, and people will want to work with us. They will not fear us."

Baim told them he would start conducting regular inspections in all sections and even the rural stations to make sure everyone abides by the dressing code of the Royal PNG Constabulary. He made special mention of NCOs and those who hold the sergeant rank.

"I will start inspecting section by section, starting with Public Safety, which is the frontline of the police force, and I want to see some changes. NCOs and sergeants especially must step up. Sergeant in any disciplined organisation is the bridge between the commissioned officers and other ranks, and you must be proud to be one. Act like a sergeant and be a sergeant. You didn't get the ranking of a sergeant to drive around and drink beer in a police vehicle. Start changing your attitudes and serve the community that pays tax for your salaries," Baim stressed.