Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary

1965-1975

The Constabulary is changing, talk of Independence in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea Is becoming more realistic

The old guard,the pernment Officers near retirement age or will be retrenched on independence. The forming of a Officer training collage will fill some of the many command positions, although this training will still need some years of experience The contract policeman recruited from around the world, England, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, many secondment from Police Forces from the States of Australia to temporary fill positions and teach the junior ranks

Bomana Police College Staff and a part of a 35 contingent of Officers secondment from States in Australia 197-1973

Francis Kumbia, Kevin Gross, Perter Black(S Aust), Russell Ames (TAS), Deem Trevelian (S Austt Ilid Evans (Instructor)

Don Brant, Alan Sing (NSW), Dave Macey (Instructor),Leo Debessa, Geoff Wegg (NSW),John Mitchell ( Instructor).Col Boreham (instructor),Lewis Iara, Jim Underhill (NSW),Peter Lamb (ACT) Pat Cassidy (NSW) Deric Bell (Instructor) Jerry Kamsan, Roy Guest (WA), Les Jewell (K9), Ray Lawson (TAS)

Alex Fyfe, Reo Paluka, Jim Gray (Instructor) Brian Beatte (College Commandant), Alasdair MacDougall (Instructor), Bob Greenhill (NSW), Alex Bunt (NSW)

Division 4.—Special Provisions in Relation to the Police Force.

196. Control of the Police Force.

(1) The Police Force is subject to the control of the National Executive Council through a Minister.

(2) The Minister has no power of command within the Police Force, except to the extent provided for by a Constitutional Law or an Act of the Parliament.

197. Functions of the Police Force.

(1) The primary functions of the Police Force are, in accordance with the Constitutional Laws and Acts of the Parliament—

(a) to preserve peace and good order in the country; and

(b) to maintain and, as necessary, enforce the law in an impartial and objective manner.

(2) Insofar as it is a function of the Police Force to lay, prosecute or withdraw charges in respect of offences, the members of the Police Force are not subject to direction or control by any person outside the Force.

198. Commissioner of Police.

There shall be, within the Police Force, an office of Commissioner of Police, who shall be responsible for the superintendence, efficient organization and control of the Force in accordance with an Act of the Parliament.

199. Other forces.

There shall be only one Police Force in Papua New Guinea, but this section does not prevent—

(a) the creation of reserve or special forces, or other similar forces (by whatever name known); or

(b) the creation of special bodies, or the authorization of persons other than members of the Police Force, for the administration or enforcement of particular laws; or

by or under an Act of the Parliament.

!969 saw the Retienment of Robert Rothsay Cole.OBE, MC .Bobe was a much respected Kiap District Commissioner Wentern Highlands, Policer Commissioer December 8th 1964 to 20 April 1969. In the early part of his tenure. Bob introduced changes including an extension of areas under police jurisdiction, creation of the Special Branch and the promulgation of new orders and regulations which revitalised the RPNGC giving it direction and preparing it for Papua New Guinea’s independence. On the retirnment of Bob Cole came Ray Withrod AC, CVO, QPM , Appointed initially as Deputy Commissioner of the RPNGC (Special Duties - whilst taking over from Robert Cole) on 31/3/1969, and Commissioner from 21/4/1969 he resigned on 31/3/1970