The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has appointed Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates APM as the new Provincial Police Commander for East New Britain, making her one of the most senior women to hold a provincial command role in the country.
Chief Superintendent Kates was sworn in at Police Headquarters by Commissioner of Police David Manning.
Mr. Manning in a statement said her appointment would strengthen leadership capacity in the province and support the development of future police leaders within the constabulary.
Commissioner Manning said Kates’ extensive policing experience and previous service in Papua New Guinea under the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership made her well-suited to lead policing operations in East New Britain.
“CSP Kates proved her capability when she served here as an AFP officer. She understands our policing environment, our communities, and the operational realities of PNG.”
“I have no doubt she will perform to expectation as a member of the RPNGC,” Mr. Manning said.
He said the appointment was intended to strengthen, rather than replace, the leadership pipeline of Papua New Guinean officers.
“This is about strengthening the leadership and mentoring of tomorrow’s police leaders.”
“CSP Kates’ experience allows our national officers in East New Britain to focus on frontline policing, investigations, and community safety, while she provides the strategic leadership required at the provincial level,” he said.
Chief Superintendent Kates brings more than 32 years of service with the Australian Federal Police, including senior command roles across Australia and the Pacific region.
Commissioner Manning said her appointment also reflected the constabulary’s commitment to increasing the representation of women in senior leadership positions.
“We are building a Constabulary where women can lead at every level. CSP Kates joins a growing group of women who have stepped into major command roles, and there will be more,” he said.
Kates is expected to focus on strengthening community policing, discipline and operational coordination across East New Britain Province.
Commissioner Manning said the province would benefit from her combination of international policing experience and understanding of Papua New Guinea’s law enforcement environment.
“East New Britain deserves strong, stable, and experienced leadership. CSP Kates brings that, and she will work diligently to strengthen policing outcomes for the people of ENB,” he said.