Pre-Independence
1947-1954
John Spillard Grimshaw MC, ED.
Prior to 1950 the ‘Commissioner’ of Police was a Superintendent.
Born Scarborough, England 10/10/1907. Joined South Australia Police in 1925, serving as Trooper, Criminal Investigation Branch, Sergeant Instructor and was latterly Officer in Charge Adelaide Police College. Was member of the 1937 Coronation Contingent and studied at Peel House, Hendon College and Birmingham Colonial Police College. Served WW2 as a Lieutenant with the 2/17th Australian Infantry Battalion. Later formed and commanded the 7th Division Provost Corps serving in the Western Desert, Greece, Crete and Syria. Served New Guinea, Owen Stanley Campaign as well as the Ramu Valley, Lae and Finschaffen operations as Provost Marshall, 1st Australian Corps. Appointed Superintendent Royal Papuan and New Guinea Constabulary 15/4/1947, resigning on 20/9/1954. Died South Australia in 1989.
1954-1964
Chris Normoyle MBE.
Born Inverell, NSW 27/7/1908. Served with the 35th (Militia) Field Artillery Battery from 1924-1928. Joined NSW Police as number 3114 on 27/03/1929, resigning on 19/10/1932. Appointed as Warrant Officer class 2 with New Guinea Police Force on 20/10/1932 and posted to Rabaul. Promoted in 1937 and appointed in charge of Kokopo Police Station from 25/2/1938. He left Rabaul on 4/10/1941 for Sydney, escorting two prisoners (G.R.. Devine and W. Nichols), after which he took leave in Australia from the 10/10/1941. As a result, he was away when the Japanese invaded New Britain but returned to Port Moresby in 1942 and enlisted on 6/3/1942 in the Army initially as a Private with the Papuan Administration Unit (forerunner to ANGAU) . Appointed as Acting Lieutenant, 29/2/1942 and Lieutenant with Australia New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU) from 10/3/1943. He was responsible for rebuilding the newly formed RPC, (combined pre invasion NGPF and RPC) and was its Commanding Officer throughout the war Accompanied the Band to Australia for the 1945 ‘Victory Tour’. Discharged as Lt-Colonel 22/7/1946. Joined Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary 29/7/1946 initially as an Inspector at Rabual. Appointed Acting Superintendent 1953, his promotion became permanent on 7/10/1954. Awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire 1/1/1965 for ‘loyal and valuable service in the Administration of Papua and New Guinea’. Resigned 30/9/1964. Died New South Wales in 1981.
December 1964-1969
Robert Rothsay Cole OBE, MC
Born Dubbo, NSW 3/11/1913. Formerly a Chartered Accountant he arrived in New Guinea on 2/11/1938 and was appointed as a Cadet Patrol Officer in the Sepik District, later becoming a Patrol Officer. Joined the 2nd A.I.F. on 22/1/1940 he served in England, the Middle East and New Guinea with ANGAU and Far Eastern Liaison Office (FELO) the latter service being mostly guerrilla fighting in nature. Awarded the Military Cross 21/9/1944. After the war he re-joined the Provisional Administration and was posted to Buin as an Assistant District Officer. He was the first District Officer for the Western Highlands, also serving in this capacity in Southern and Sepik Districts until his appointment as Commissioner of the Royal Papua and New Guinea Police in December 1964. Appointed as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 1/1/1969. He retired as Commissioner in 1969.
18/4/1969 – 14/8/1970
Raymond Withrod AC, CVO, QPM
Born Adelaide 16/4/1915. Joined the South Australian Police in 1934, serving mostly in Criminal Investigations. During WW2 he served with the Royal Australian Air force (RAAF) as a Flight Lieutenant Navigator in Europe and the Mediterranean. Post war he returned to the SA Police before being recruited as a founding member of ASIO. He was then appointed as the Director of the Commonwealth Investigation Service. In 1960 he was responsible for the creation of the Commonwealth Police and was appointed as its first Commissioner. Appointed initially as Deputy Commissioner of the RPNGC (Special Duties – whilst taking over from Robert Cole) on 31/3/1969, and Commissioner from 21/4/1969 he resigned on 31/3/1970 to take up an appointment as Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service (Brian Holloway was acting Commissioner until the appointment of N.A.M. Nicholls in August). He later taught Criminology at Australian National University and wrote several books. Awarded Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) 27/4/1954 for the 1954 Royal Visit, Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) as Commissioner Commonwealth Police 16/4/1963, Queens Police Medal 10/6/1967, Member of the Order of Australia (AM) 26/1/1987 for ‘Service to Australian Law Enforcement, to victims of crime and to the community’, being promoted within the order to Companion (AC) 26/1/1993. Died Adelaide 11/7/2003.
14/8/1970 – 7/5/1974
Norman Allan Mark Nichols O.B.E.
Born Wallaroo, South Australia 12/8/1917. Enlisted for the Australian Army on 4/1/1939. Promoted Lieutenant, 2/4th Australian Infantry Battalion. By 1942 he was a Major and GSO 2, 1st Australian Armoured Division. Second in Command of the Australian Army Contingent Headquarters to the 1953 Coronation. Commanded 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment from 2/10/1953 until 1/1/1955 including service in Korea from 31/3/1954. Promoted Brigadier and served on the staff in Washington. His last Army posting was as Deputy Adjutant General of the Australian Army. Appointed Commissioner of the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary on 14/8/1970. Resigned 7/5/1974. Awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) 10/6/1961. Died 17/8/1999.
7/5/1974 – 8/5/1975
Brian Holloway CBE, QPM
(one year contract during transition)
Born Adelaide 31/7/1927. Joined South Australia Police as a Cadet in 1943. Appointed Assistant Sub-Inspector in Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary 11/1948 and posted to Wau. Served the remainder of his career with the RP&NGC serving at a number of location. From 1958 he was instrumental in the planning and building of the Police Training College at Bomana near Port Moresby from which the first local Commissioned Officers graduated on 26/8/1964, as well as designing numerous other training courses aimed at assisting the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to become self-sufficient in the lead up to Independence. Promoted Assistant Commissioner 1968 and Deputy Commissioner in 1970. He acted in the role of Commissioner in the interim prior to Brigadier Nicholls being appointed in 1970. He was appointed as Interim Commissioner 7/5/1974 and retired 8/5/1975. He was awarded the Queens Police Medal (QPM) on 1/1/1969, Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) on 1/1/1971 and elevated within the Order to Commander (CBE) on 16/9/1975. Died Perth 21/1/2013.
Post 1975 Independence
02/02/1976 – 7/11/1977
Pius Barbey Kerepia OBE, QPM
Born Bougainville. He was Assistant Commissioner when he was appointed after only 12 year’s service as Commissioner of Police on 7/5/1975. He was only 29 years old at the time. Resigned 7/11/1977. Later Secretary of the Department of Works and appointed Corrective Services Commissioner in 1986. He was murdered in Port Moresby in April 1990.
7/11/1977 – 2/5/1979
William Penias Tiden OBE, QPM
Born East New Britain on 7/8/1925. He claimed to have enlisted in the New Guinea Police Force at Rabaul prior to Japanese Invasion and to have been a prisoner for the duration. Joined Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary on 30/3/1946. Senior Constable 1/6/1946, Sergeant 3rd class 1/10/1948, 2nd class 16/6/1952. He was one of the first eleven local officers to pass the Officers Course at Bomana Police College graduating as Sub Inspector on 24/8/1964. Inspector 3rd class 30/11/1967, 2nd class 8/6/1970 and 1st class 15/2/1972. During his service he was an Instructor at Bomana and OIC at Kerema, Sohano, Mt Hagen, Kundiawa, Western Highlands and Goroka. He attended overseas courses in 1966 and 1969. Appointed as Commissioner on 7/11/1977 he retired on 2/5/1979.
3/5/1979 – 17/2/1982
Sir Phillip Bouraga KBE
Born 30/9/1940, Philip Bou he was the son of Henao (Nee Aria) and Bouraga Taunakekei, of Kikori, Gulf Province. He was the first locally appointed Cadet Patrol Officer graduating in 1962. Appointed District Commissioner from 1974 and was later Secretary to the Prime Minister. Appointed Commissioner Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary 1979, resigning 17/2/1982. Later MP for the National Capital District. Awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 16/9/1975 (Independence List) for outstanding public service, Commander (CBE) 30/12/1978 and Knight Commander (KBE) 11/6/2005.
7/10/1992 – 18/4/1996
Henry Tokam CBE, QPM
Born Kainantu, Eastern Highlands 19/5/1948. Joined 10/6/1980. Appointed as Commissioner RPNGC 1/4/1982. Resigned 15/12/1983. Appointed Commissioner of the Corrective Service. Served as Commissioner again from 7/10/1992 to 18/4/1996. Later Secretary, Department of Simbu Provincial Government. Queens Police Medal (QPM) 16/6/1979, Commander of the order of the British Empire (CBE) 31/12/1991.
15/12/1983-1988
David Dorkou Tasion CBE, QPM
Born Pak Island, Manus on 22/4/1948. Attested into the Constabulary on 2/2/1968 as a direct entry Cadet Officer. Promoted Sub Inspector 27/5/1971, Inspector 3rd class 25/3/1974. Served Kieta and Hutjena as his initial postings. During his career he completed several advancement courses including a traditional Detective training course and explosives course at Bomana Police College. In 1973 and 1978 he attended the Commonwealth Police College in Canberra where he undertook the ASOPA and Canberra Officers Courses respectively. He has also completed a Management Course at the Australian Administrative Staff College at Mount Eliza in Victoria in 1982. Chief of Operations and Acting Deputy Commissioner from August 1981 until appointed as Commissioner on 15/12/1983. Previous postings included OIC CIB Mount Hagen and Boroko and Divisional Commander of ‘A’ Division of the National Capital District Division. Awarded Queens Police Medal (QPM) 13/6/1981. Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) 30/12/1985.
27/5/1988 – 15/3/1990
Paul Tohian QPM
(First Governor of New Ireland Province 1997 to 2002)
Born 2/7/1949. Appointed 3 1/1/1968. Promoted Superintendent 20/8/1979. Commissioner 27/5/1988 to 15/3/1990. Hew commanded the Bougainville Operations at the beginning of the crisis in 1987. First Governor of New Ireland Province in which capacity he served from 1997 to 2002. Awarded Queens Police Medal (QPM) 31/12/1985. Died Kavieng 3/5/2004.
11/5/1990 – 7/10/1992
Chief Ila Geno GCL, OBE, QPM
Born Karawa village, Hood Lagoon, 1/4/1974. He attended London Missionary Society School in Karawa and Hood Lagoon Primary School at Keapara. He completed his secondary education at Sogeri Secondary School in 1967. Joined the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary 3/2/1968 as a direct entry cadet. Appointed Sub Inspector he served at a number of posts including Goroka and Lae before gaining his detectives designation and being posted to Boroko. Completed a Diploma in Police Science at the University of Papua New Guinea in 1975. as a detective, rising to the level of Chief Superintendent, Director of Criminal Investigations. Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of Police in 11/5/1990. He moved from the RPNGC on 7/10/1992 and was subsequently appointed Commissioner and Chairman of the Public Services Commission. Mr Geno was appointed an Ombudsman in December 1998 and assumed duties Chief Ombudsman on 1/1/2001 retiring on 20/6/2008. He was the founding Chairman of RPNGC Police Legacy and his interest in the welfare of Police Officers families has continued over many years through his current role as President of the Police Legacy Board. Recipient of the prestigious Anthony Siaguru Award by Transparency International PNG in December 2007, “in recognition for his outstanding leadership in fighting corruption”. The award was established to honour individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional courage and outstanding leadership in fighting corruption. Awarded Queens Police Medal (QPM) 1983, Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 31/12/1985, Papua New Guinea Service Medal for Community Service 1989 and Grand Companion of the Order of the Logohu (GCL) 1/1/2012
10/1992-18/4/1996
Henry Tokam CBE, QPM
(second term)
Born Kainantu, Eastern Highlands 19/5/1948. Joined 10/6/1980. Appointed as Commissioner RPNGC 1/4/1982. Resigned 15/12/1983. Appointed Commissioner of the Corrective Service. Served as Commissioner again from 7/10/1992 to 18/4/1996. Later Secretary, Department of Simbu Provincial Government. Queens Police Medal (QPM) 16/6/1979, Commander of the order of the British Empire (CBE) 31/12/1991.
1997 – 1998
Robert Nenta OBE QPM
Born 1952, he joined the RPNGC on 27/1/1970. Promoted Superintendent 28/5/1980 he was appointed Commissioner of the RPNGC in 1997 in which position he remained for 14 months after which he was appointed as PNG High Commissioner for Singapore. Following this appointment he was made Director National Intelligence Organization in which position he served until retiring in 2012.
1998 – 1999
Peter Aigilo
Born in 1957 and joined the RPNGC on 8/1/1974. Promoted Inspector on 28/5/1980 he was a Chief Superintendent when he left the service to practice law. Recalled by the NEC he was appointed as Commissioner RPNGC in 1998. He was Commissioner during the Tsunami Disaster which struck between 24-28 July 1998 resulting in a National Emergency. Following his retirement he went into private business and still practices law at Lae.
20/07/1999 – 1/11/2001
John Wakon QPM
Born 1958 he joined the RPNGC on 9/1/1975. Promoted Inspector 28/5/1980. He was Metropolitan Police Commander for Port Moresby and only Chief Superintendent when he was appointed as Commissioner on 20/7/1999, serving as such until 1/11/2001. Awarded Queens Police Medal (QPM) 31/12/1999.
01/11/2001 – 17/9/2002
Joseph Kupo QPM
Born 1954, he joined the RPNGC on 9/7/1974. Promoted Sub Inspector 16/6/1976. He was Metropolitan Superintendent at the time he was awarded the Queens Police Medal (QPM) on 11/6/1994. Appointed Commissioner 1/11/2001 and serving until replaced on 17/9/2002. He later went into politics.
17/9/2002 – 2006
Samuel Inguba CBE, DPS, QPM
Born 1955 he joined the RPNGC on 29/1/1973. Promoted Inspector on 20/08/1979. He was Deputy Commissioner Operations when he was appointed as Commissioner on 17/9/2002. He served as Commissioner until September 2006. On 30/9/2005 he became the first ever recipient of the newly created Distinguished Police Service (DPS) medal, the medal being presented by HRH Princess Anne in Parliament. Awarded Queens Police Medal (QPM) 1993 and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) 2004. Later Secretary of Department of Police and Manager for Government Relations and Public Affairs. In September 2010, Mr. Inguba was appointed General Manager, Corporate Services for Petromin and he was involved in the coordination of the construction of the Petromin Haus Building in 2010.
2007 – 2011
Gari Baki CBE, DPS, QPM, O.St.J
Born 1956, he joined the RPNGC on 26/5/1974. Promoted Sub Inspector on 16/6/1976. He was Deputy Police Commissioner when appointed as Commissioner on 17/12/2006. He remained as Commissioner until 11/11/2010. In 2013 he was appointed as Director-general of the National Intelligence Organisation. On 5/6/2015 he was again appointed as Commissioner. Awarded Member of the Order of the Biritish Empire (MBE) 1991 and created Brother of the Order of St John (OstJ) 24/8/2004. Queens Police Medal (QPM) 2007 as Deputy Commissioner. He was promoted Officer (OBE) 12/6/2004 and Commander (CBE) 2011.
2011 – 2011
Anthony Wagambie, MBE, DPS, QPM.
Born 1952 and joined the RPNGC on 28/1/1970. Promoted Inspector 1/7/1976. He was Assistant Commissioner when appointed as Commissioner on 11/11/2010. He retired on 30/9/2011 and was appointed as High Commissioner for Singapore on 15/1/2012. Awarded Queens Police Medal (QPM) 1990 and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) 2009 also the Distinguished Police Service Medal (DPS).
2011 – 2014
Kulunga Bt, OBE, DPS, QPM
Born 1952, he joined the RPNGC on 5/1/1971. Promoted Senior Inspector 28/5/1980. Appointed Commissioner 29/11/2011. Awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 2006, Distinguished Police Service medal (DPS) and Queens Police Medal (QPM) 1988 and created Knights Bachelor (Kt) in 2014.
2014 – 2015
Geoffrey Vaki MBE, DPS, QPM
Born 1953 he joined the RPNGC on 21/3/1970. Promoted Inspector 21/7/1978. Service included Commander of NCD/Central, Commander Southern Region, Highlands Divisional Commander, and Commander Special Services Division (SSD). Deputy Commissioner Operations 2007 until 2009. Served as Commissioner RPNGC from 17/6/2014 to 7/5/2015. Awarded Queens Police Medal (QPM) 2002, Distinguished Police Service medal (DPS) and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) 1989.
5/6/2015 – 2019
Gari Baki CBE, DPS, QPM, O.St.J
Born 1956, he joined the RPNGC on 26/5/1974. Promoted Sub Inspector on 16/6/1976. He was Deputy Police Commissioner when appointed as Commissioner on 17/12/2006. He remained as Commissioner until 11/11/2010. In 2013 he was appointed as Director-general of the National Intelligence Organisation. On 5/6/2015 he was again appointed as Commissioner. Awarded Member of the Order of the Biritish Empire (MBE) 1991 and created Brother of the Order of St John (OstJ) 24/8/2004. Queens Police Medal (QPM) 2007 as Deputy Commissioner. He was promoted Officer (OBE) 12/6/2004 and Commander (CBE) 2011.
5/6/2015 – 2019
David Manning MBE, DPS, QPM, O.St.J
Appointed Acting Commissioner 6/8/2019 and Commissioner 13/12/2019. to date.
