Tourism can change the perception of law and order

Commissioner Baki and Tourism Arts and Culture Minister Tobias Kulang pose with the Mt Wilhelm Tourism Police.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, December 18, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)



COMMISSIONER for Police, Gary Baki, has supported the push for tourism policing, while affirming the support of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) towards the establishment of the Tourism Police concept and its incorporation into the RPNGC structure.

Mr Baki hailed the achievements of the concept, which has yielded positive result for pilot tourism hot spot Mount Wilhelm, in the district of Kundiawa-Gembogl district in the Simbu Province.

Speaking at the announcement of the Tourism Policing concept to be extended to the world famous Kokoda Track in 2017- he added that the concept was not new in the world, however, said such a concept needed a PNG tailored system to effectively carry out.

“I believe strongly that tourism can change the perceptions of law and order in Papua New Guinea,” Commissioner Baki said.

“I have a very strong conviction on it because I have travelled the world, I have gone to places that have tourism police, I have looked at the systems and the processes they are using, and we are still trying to find what we can do for Papua New Guinea.”

“For me I think a concept that we can look at, study and appreciate is a what we design is best for Papua New Guinea, based on our on sites, based on the number of visitors that come into the country, the issues affecting Law and order and look at how we can best use the concept.”

Mr Baki went further to announce proactive steps the RPNGC has taken in realigning the directorate of community policing to now take on a new role as the Tourism Police Directorate.

“The Directorate of Community Policing that most of you are so used to in headquarters that is going to be realigned to be the directorate of tourism police.”

“We have taken that step already and it is part of our restructure that we have gone through which will come out.”

“As I am talking to you now my minister is currently attend the MSG Police Ministers Conference in Fiji and he is always advocating on visiting Fiji and looking at the tourism policing concept that they have in Fiji.”

“”I am pretty certain that he will be looking at it whilst his over there,” the commissioner said.