History Timeline

1885: German New Guinea established – A German colonial police force is set up in the northeastern part of the island of New Guinea, which is under German administration.

1888: British New Guinea established – A British colonial police force is set up in the southeastern part of the island, which is under British administration.

1905: British New Guinea becomes Papua – The British colonial police force continues to operate in the territory, now called Papua.

1914: Australian forces occupy German New Guinea – During World War I, Australian forces take over the German territory, and the German colonial police force is disbanded.

1921: League of Nations mandates Australian administration of former German New Guinea – The territory is renamed the Territory of New Guinea, and an Australian-administered police force is established.

1942-1945: Japanese occupation during World War II – The police forces in both Papua and New Guinea are disbanded, and law enforcement is overseen by the occupying Japanese forces

1945: Australian administration resumes in Papua and New Guinea – Separate police forces are re-established in each territory.

1949: Papua and New Guinea merge under Australian administration – The police forces of the two territories are combined to form the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).

1950s-1960s: Expansion and modernization – The RPNGC expands its presence throughout the country and undergoes significant modernization, including the establishment of specialized units and increased training and professional development for officers

1973: Self-government for Papua New Guinea – The RPNGC continues to operate under the newly formed government, which is preparing for full independence.

1975: Papua New Guinea gains independence – The RPNGC becomes the national police force of the independent nation.

1989-1998: Bougainville Crisis – The RPNGC is involved in operations against the Bougainville Revolutionary Army during the conflict on the island of Bougainville.

2000s: Capacity-building and international cooperation – The RPNGC engages in capacity-building initiatives, such as the Papua New Guinea-Australia Policing Partnership, to improve its effectiveness and strengthen its international partnerships.

2018: APEC Summit – The RPNGC plays a key role in maintaining security during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Port Moresby.

Ongoing efforts to improve policing and tackle crime – The RPNGC continues to work on modernizing its practices, improving community relations, and addressing challenges such as transnational crime, drug trafficking, and corruption.