Papua New Guinea police Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Papua New Guinea is planning to hire 20 foreign police officers to take up leadership roles in the local force, according to a local newspaper report.
The Post Courier newspaper reports Prime Minister James Marape has revealed this plan to Parliament during debate on a law and order report presented by his internal securities minister Peter Tsiamalili.
The government said it has taken this action to restore confidence and discipline in the constabulary.
For many years, Australian Federal Police have been with the PNG Police in an advisory capacity.
Because of their requirement that they have immunity from PNG law, they have not been able to work as line officers within the force.
Marape said the government is also looking to review all security laws to make them stronger deterrents.
He said it will mean increased penalties and this could mean people charged under terrorism laws for starting tribal fights could face up to 40 years hard labour.
Marape has also elaborated on the new special police unit being set up, saying it will be unmarked, unnamed and only respond to terrorist-like incidents such as kidnapping and other major crimes.
The Prime Minister said the PNG Defence Force will return to its barracks, and focus on its mandated functions of providing security for the country along the borders, rather than helping the police carry out its functions.