Title: Empowering the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary: Specialist Training to Bolster Financing Crime Fighting Capabilities in East New Britain
Boosting Capabilities against Financial Crimes
The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is enhancing its fight against financial crimes with over 78 officers expected to receive specialized training in investigation and prosecution of fraud and corruption by year’s end. 1(#fn:1) This training initiative is led by the RPNGC Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate.
Recent Trainees
Recently, 28 officers from the New Guinea Islands Region completed the Fraud Investigations and Prosecutions course held in Kokopo, East New Britain. In March, similar training was given to 29 officers from the Southern Region in Port Moresby. 2(#fn:2)
## Training Overview
The specialized training significantly strengthens police capabilities to:
- Detect, investigate, and prosecute fraud, corruption, and related offenses
- Coordinate efforts in a more effective and efficient manner
## Course Content
The course covers various topics, including:
1. Investigation planning and management
2. Elements of offenses
3. File preparation
4. Evidence collection
5. Latest legislation concerning money laundering and proceeds of crime
Importance of the Course
Chief Sergeant Kila Guma, who oversaw the training, emphasized its importance. He expressed his desire to train more officers, appreciating the strong interest in this area of expertise and the value of uniting investigators and prosecutors. 3(#fn:3)
## Gratitude and Reflections
Senior Constable Tina Nikints, a fraud investigator based in East New Britain, expressed her gratitude, sharing that she felt ill-equipped compared to her male counterparts when starting her role without formal training. [^4^](#fn:4) Senior Constable Felicitas Mare, a police prosecutor based in West New Britain, also emphasized the significance of updated training for more effective and efficient investigations and prosecutions. [^5^](#fn:5)
Future Plans
Plans for the next training session are underway in Mt Hagen for officers in the Highlands region. 4(#fn:6)
Support and Collaboration
This crucial initiative is supported by the Australian Government through the Justice Services and Stability for Development Program. 5(#fn:7)
Dignitaries present at the commencement of the course included Cosmas Bauk, Deputy Governor of East New Britain, and Anton Billie, Assistant Commissioner, Island Region. 6(#fn:8)