Highlands Eastern-end police commander Clement Dalla, has condemned officers accepting bribes to water down criminal offences before cases reached court.
“Police officers should not accept bribes to play the role of District Magistrates and National Court Judges to strike off offenders arrested by some hardworking police officers,” Dalla said.
“I condemned officers who are negotiating deals outside of court to compromise duties and responsibilities of the courts.”
He said this trend of police officers accepting bribes to make outside deals to release remandees had become prevalent and was a growing concern of the police hierarchy.
“Police officers as front-liners in mitigating law and order problems failing to uphold justice will be heavily punished if they are caught accepting bribes, releasing suspects from police custody and hearing kangaroo courts,” Dalla said.
He made this known in Banz, Jiwaka, on Friday during a parade and celebration to recognise his elevation to Highlands Eastern End commander, taking charge of Western Highlands, Jiwaka and Chimbu.
Dalla also commended Jiwaka leaders, village court officials and peace mediators for being front-liners to defuse tensions with potentials to flare up into tribal violence.
Meanwhile, Dalla said police needed more awareness on new the Transport Infrastructure Act.
He said the Transport Infrastructure Act of 2010 and Counter-Terrorism Act of 2024 were yet to be fully understood by police officers.
“There will be a workshop or training to be conducted by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary for officers under Highlands Eastern End Zone Command on the new Acts,” Dalla said.
He said officers needed to understand these two laws as there were many traffic offenses committed along the Highlands Highway.
