Pacific Police Chiefs have established the Pacific Community of Policing—PACPOL—to
take stronger collective action against transnational criminal networks and the illicit
movement Of drugs, firearms, weapons and criminal proceeds across the region.
Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Commissioner David Manning was unanimously
elected by Commissioners from 23 Pacific nations as the inaugural Chair of PACPOL—
placing Papua New Guinea at the forefront of a new era of regional policing cooperation.
Addressing Police Chiefs from across the region, Commissioner Manning said he accepted
the responsibility with humility and with a clear determination to translate Pacific solidarity
into Stronger operational outcomes for the safety and security Of Pacific communities.
“The security challenges confronting our region do not stop at maritime borders.
Sophisticated criminal syndicates seek to exploit our geography, our institutions and any
gap between jurisdictions,” Commissioner Manning said.
“NO Pacific nation, regardless Of its size or strength, can meet these threats alone. Through
PACPOL, we will coordinate our people, intelligence, training and operational capabilities to
identify, pursue and dismantle transnational criminal networks across borders and
jurisdictions.”
“That work has already begun. PACPOL discussions are advancing on the proactive sharing
of information about criminals involved in transnational smuggling, so that offenders known
in one jurisdiction can be identified, tracked and acted against across the Pacific.
“Papua New Guinea has the largest police service in the Pacific and will carry its fair share
Of this regional responsibility. We will support our Pacific brothers and sisters, just as they
continue to stand with us in advancing Our shared law-enforcement Objectives.”
“Across Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific, our people face the growing harm caused
by illicit drugs, weapons trafficking, cyber-enabled fraud, human smuggling and the
exploitation of vulnerable communities.
“We will meet these threats through faster intelligence exchange, proactive targeting Of
offenders, stronger investigative and forensic capabilities, and the coordinated deployment
of operational support when a Pacific Police Chief asks for assistance.
“The Pacific Police Support Group gives that cooperation operational force.
“It enables trained Pacific officers to deploy together in support Of major events, disasters,
crises and complex security operations.
“For Papua New Guinea, this means stronger regional reach against the criminal networks
that move illicit drugs, firearms and people through our borders. It also means the RPNGC
can both contribute to and draw upon a disciplined Pacific capability when operational
demands require it.
“PACPOL will be judged by results: smugglers exposed, criminal networks dismantled, illicit
drugs and firearms intercepted, Offenders brought to justice and communities made safer.”
“Every jurisdiction will stand as an equal. No voice is too large, and no voice is too small.
PACPOL will respect national sovereignty while strengthening our collective capacity to act
in the common interest.”
“For more than fifty years, Pacific Police leaders have built a culture of trust and cooperation.
PACPOL honours that legacy and gives it renewed operational purpose. When the Pacific stands together, we can achieve more than any one nation can achieve alone.”
