Foreign Officers in PNG Police: Reform or Controversy?

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The recent swearing-in of two Australian police officers, Chief Superintendent Rodney Swain and Chief Superintendent Glyn Lewis, into the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has sparked debate among citizens. While the government and police leadership emphasize the benefits of their expertise, some citizens view this move with skepticism and concern. The appointment of expatriate officers to key leadership positions raises questions about sovereignty, local capacity-building, and the long-term effectiveness of foreign involvement in PNG’s policing sector.

Screenshot of the news article by Jonah Tupus about the appointments on The National website.

One of the major concerns expressed by critics is the issue of national sovereignty. The presence of expatriate police officers in strategic leadership positions within the RPNGC is seen by some as a challenge to PNG’s autonomy in law enforcement. The notion that foreign officers are required to address internal security matters has fueled discontent among those who believe PNG should be self-reliant in managing its policing affairs. Critics argue that such appointments undermine national ownership of the police force and create an overreliance on external assistance.

Another point of contention is the potential impact on local officers' career progression. The decision to place Australian officers in high-ranking roles could be perceived as sidelining experienced PNG officers who have served the force for years. This could demoralize local officers who aspire to leadership roles and may feel that their professional growth is being stunted. Some citizens believe that instead of recruiting expatriates for these positions, the government should prioritize upskilling and promoting officers from within the RPNGC.

Furthermore, there are concerns about whether the expertise brought in by these officers will lead to sustainable improvements in PNG’s policing capabilities. While international experience is valuable, long-term solutions should focus on institutional reforms, improved training programs, and better working conditions for PNG police officers. Critics argue that a reliance on foreign officers to fill key positions is a short-term fix that does not address the root causes of inefficiency and corruption within the force.

The appointment of expatriates to roles such as the Director of the Training Wing and Executive Director of the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate also raises questions about the effectiveness of past foreign assistance programs. Over the years, PNG has received substantial support from Australia in terms of police training and capacity-building. Despite this, crime and corruption remain significant challenges. Skeptics argue that if previous efforts have not yielded significant improvements, appointing Australian officers to leadership positions may not necessarily lead to the desired outcomes.

Moreover, concerns have been raised about the legal and operational implications of having foreign officers embedded within the RPNGC. While the government asserts that these officers will operate under PNG law and adhere to RPNGC regulations, critics worry about potential conflicts in decision-making, accountability, and the overall integration of these officers into the force. The question of how these expatriate officers will interact with the broader law enforcement system, including the judiciary and public accountability mechanisms, remains a topic of debate.

On the other hand, proponents of this initiative argue that international expertise is necessary to rebuild a modern and professional police force in PNG. Given the persistent challenges of corruption, inefficiency, and lack of discipline within the force, some citizens see this as a pragmatic move to inject new perspectives and skills. They believe that the presence of experienced Australian officers will help bridge gaps in training and enforcement while fostering a culture of accountability and professionalism. Additionally, some hope that these officers will help improve or change the culture and work ethics of the police, instilling greater discipline, commitment, and integrity among the ranks.

Ultimately, the decision to appoint expatriate officers to leadership roles in PNG’s police force is a contentious one, with valid arguments on both sides. While the government views this as a step toward strengthening law enforcement, critics remain wary of the broader implications. Moving forward, it is crucial that the PNG government clearly defines the scope, timeframe, and expected outcomes of this arrangement to ensure that it contributes meaningfully to the long-term development of the RPNGC, without compromising national interests.

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