Three prisoner trucks strengthen police transport for Northern Command

Lae police will receive a new prisoner transport truck to help move prisoners between police cells, Buimo Correctional Institution and the courts.

The truck is one of three new prisoner transport trucks handed over to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to support police operations across the Northern Command.

Chief Inspector James Luan, Superintendent Operations with the Lae Metropolitan Command, said the new truck was urgently needed as the existing prisoner transport vehicle had developed mechanical problems.

“This is a timely presentation and a gift to us when we really need a good vehicle,” Luan said.

The truck will support both the Lae Metropolitan and Morobe Provincial commands in transporting prisoners to and from court.

Luan said the new truck would also support police operations during the 2027 National General Election.

“It will go a long way in the coming National General Elections as well,” he said.

The other two trucks will be used in Goroka and Madang.

Detective Sergeant Ben Payton of the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership said the three trucks were provided to the RPNGC at a cost of more than half a million kina.

“These trucks will be used in Lae, Goroka and Madang,” Payton said.

The new Hino trucks are fitted with prisoner cages, with separate areas for male and female prisoners. They are also equipped with lights and sirens.

Chief Superintendent Albert Beli, Provincial Police Commander for Eastern Highlands Province, said the truck allocated to Eastern Highlands would provide much-needed support for transporting prisoners.

“It’s a timely assistance given to us, especially to transport prisoners back and forth,” Beli said.

Superintendent Robert Baim, Madang Provincial Police Commander, said the new truck was a major relief at a time when police needed more resources to maintain manpower and operations.

“It’s a big relief, especially at this time that we are in dire need of resources to help us keep our manpower and our operations going,” Baim said.

The three trucks represent more than half a million kina in support of the RPNGC and are expected to strengthen prisoner transport and police operations across Morobe, Eastern Highlands and Madang.