Exit of 15 senior Madang police officers leaves 600-year gap in force

Madang Province is bracing for a major vacuum in law enforcement after 15 of its most senior police officers, with a combined 600 years of experience, received their official retirement notices last Friday.

The group, which includes one woman, has each served the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary [RPNGC] for more than four decades. Their departure marks one of the largest single exits of veteran officers in the province’s history.

Acting Provincial Police Commander [PPC] Robert Baim praised the officers for their loyalty and service to Madang, the Constabulary, and the country.

“On behalf of Police Commissioner David Manning, I salute you all for your services. You will exit the force with flying colours and should fly your flags high with pride,” Baim said.

But the retirements come with challenges. Senior Inspector Peter Gorek, Commander of Rural Police, admitted that losing so many seasoned officers, of which 75 percent were from the rural command, will leave gaps that will take years to fill.

“It will be difficult to find officers of their calibre to work in rural areas. Their exit creates a vacuum that won’t be easy to replace,” Gorek said.

While receiving their notices, the officers were reminded that they remain part of the ‘Blue family’ and would still be relied upon by their communities to support law and order.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Senior Sergeant Chris Dakin thanked the RPNGC for the opportunity to serve and urged young officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, and dedication in their duties.