PNG police cadets learn the ropes of Queensland policing during two week program

The first round of Papua New Guinea police recruits have completed the first two weeks of a new QPS training program in Townsville.

The first round of Papua New Guinea police cadets have completed a two week stint observing Queensland Police officers during their day to day in Townsville in what will be one of three groups to come through North Queensland.

Over the past two weeks, eight PNG police cadets have been provided with the opportunity to learn about the inner workings and policing procedures of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) that will help them further develop skills in decision making, delegation and supervision, risk management and incident command.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Glen Pointings said the program has also allowed for QPS to learn about policing in PNG and the cultural differences between the two countries.

“It’s been a great opportunity to meet these people and just to impart some of our skills and acknowledge them as they undertake a three year course in Papua New Guinea,” he said.

“We’ve learned a lot from them as well. They’ve worked in stations across the district such as Mundingburra and Townsville also the Watch house, they’ve been exposed to a variety of policing experiences.”

Constable Nathan Garreffa with PNG cadet graduates Alois Ulne and Pascal Hauramiri on the Strand. Picture: Evan Morgan

The avid rugby league fans were also given the opportunity to meet some of their rugby league idols and watch a Queensland Cup game.

“We’ve taken the opportunity to showcase Townsville to them all why they are here,” Mr Pointings said.

“They’re very keen rugby league fans so they’ve spent some time down at the Cowboys training facility and they also watched a Blackhawks game and got out and about around Townsville.”

Australian Federal Police (AFP) Acting Inspector Laurie Trussler has assisted in delivering the program alongside the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).

“These are the future leaders of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary so what they see here might be something they can bring back home when they do complete their course,” he said.

“The biggest thing we want to get across is just how grateful we are to the professionalism shown by QPS. Over the past two weeks the hospitality shown by the QPS and the hospitality of the people of Townsville themselves.”

The cadets will next attend the Australian Institute of Police Management in Manly, New South Wales to undergo further training before returning home to PNG.

The next round of cadets will arrive on June 23.

Originally published as PNG police cadets learn the ropes of Queensland policing during two week program