Minister for Police Sir John Pundari has challenged members of the newly sworn-in 2026 Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Promotion Board to ensure police promotions are based on merit, performance and integrity rather than personal connections.

Speaking during the recent swearing- in ceremony, Sir John Pundari said the ranks within the Constabulary must be earned through service, commitment and professional conduct.

He reminded board members that their responsibility over the next 12 months would directly influence the future leadership of the RPNGC.

“Rank is not a gift, it is trust,” the good minister said.

“If you promote politics over patrols, you don't just insult one officer, you insult every cop in the country, even the one sleeping in a bush station with one bullet and no backup.”

Sir John urged the board to recognise officers who consistently perform their duties and uphold the values of the Constabulary.

“Promote the officer who arrests, not the one who attends. Promote the constable who says no to bribery. Promote the leader who bleeds with his men, not the one who hides in Port Moresby,” he said.

The Minister said the country needed the right people in leadership positions within the police force to maintain public trust and improve policing standards.“Rank must mean safety for the people of Papua New Guinea, not seniority, not connections,” he said.

“I challenge you, board members, every officer promoted must be promoted because he is the best, not because he knows the best.”

Sir John said the Government continues to make significant investments into the Constabulary and expects those investments to result in stronger leadership, improved discipline and better service delivery throughout the country.

He acknowledged the efforts of Police Commissioner David Manning and senior police leadership as well in driving police modernisation and strengthening training standards across the organisation.

Reflecting on his childhood growing up in a police family, Sir John recalled the discipline and professionalism displayed by police officers during the years leading up to Independence.

He said those standards should continue to guide the Constabulary as it works to strengthen public confidence and professionalism across the organisation.

The Minister also reminded board members that deserving officers serving in remote and rural locations should not be overlooked during the promotion process.

“I know there is one out there in the bush, working hard with the community and doing the best that he can. I pray that no one who deserves promotion is overlooked,” Sir John said.

The Promotion Board was sworn in on Friday, June 19th at Police Headquarters, Konedobu, Port Moresby. 

The board is chaired by Dame Jean Lucilla Kekedo, DBE, DBStJ, CSM, and includes Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Administration Dr Philip Nitma and Assistant Commissioner of Police for Policy and Planning, Regga Neggi.

This board will oversee promotion assessments across various ranks of the RPNGC over the coming months.