NCDC passes out police reservists for enforcement

Caption:   NCD reserve police marching, Deputy City Manager Honk Kiap marching first in the middle column

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, November 3, 2013 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

WITH the buai ban penalties now being officially implemented as of Friday- the National Capital District Commission in partnership with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), officially graduated 48 reserve policemen and women from within the commission’s employee ranks from office clerks up to the deputy city manager Honk Kiap, in Port Moresby last week at the Loyd Robson Oval.

The NCDC Policing Division after the graduation consists of two squads totalling five women and 43 men, all of whom will have the same powers under the Police Services Act.

Formation of the policing division is in response to the enforcement of the betelnut ban’s penalties that came into effect on the November 1.

All reserve officers went through a six week training course conducted at the RPNGC’s Regional Training Centre at Gordons.

Acting on behalf of the city manager, Deputy City Manager Regulatory Services, Kenneth Atasoa congratulated the graduates.

“Congratulations and a job well done for your performance throughout the six weeks intensive course.”

“You are passing out at a time of the betelnut ban enforcement is to take place- you will assist police and will be an important arm of NCDC.”

“Police work is about sacrifice and you will enforce the law that NCDC has put in place,” he said.

He made special mention of the change in attitude and disciplince he observed in the graduates in the workplace at city, in terms of dressing, punctuality, and added respect for their superiors.

“This is another milestone in our partnership with the police,” he added.

When asked about how he felt being a fully-fledged reserve policeman in the rank of Reserve Sergeant, Deputy City Manager Community Social Services, Honk Kiap said that it was a challenge for them and an honour to wear the uniform and be part of a parade in their honour.

He added that the reservists would continue to operate in their job capacities at City Hall, and would assume their enforcement duties after hours or during the weekends.