Superintendent Daniel Yangen has formally taken over as Enga Provincial Police Commander from Chief Superintendent Steven Harris, with the handover taking place at Wabag Police Station yesterday.
The Hand-Over Take-Over ceremony was held yesterday, amid growing public concern over recent changes in the Enga Provincial Police Command and perceptions of a breakdown in command and control.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/harris-hands-over-enga-police-command-to-yangen/
Despite the concerns, outgoing PPC Chief Superintendent Steven Harris handed over office to the incoming PPC without delay.
During the parade, Mr. Harris encouraged members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to uphold the constitutional duty they swore to and enforce the rule of law without fear or favour.
He said that under his leadership for the last 10 months, the practice of Bel Kol and compensation payments had been prohibited.
Mr Harris expressed gratitude that through the Police Station Commands in each of the six districts and section heads, the people of Enga had seen a decrease in the crime rate and major tribal warfare had been scaled down in the province.
He said he would have liked to continue working with the members to serve the people of Enga, but in compliance with the Commissioner’s directive, he had to make way for the incoming leader and take up a new challenge in Kimbe.
“I am very proud today because you all have been very supportive and I encourage you to give the same support to the leadership of incoming PPC Daniel Yangen. The people of Enga deserve a decent life, and they are expecting you to help them maintain peace and order in the community. The people of Enga are generous, and they are all in my heart. I love them all and I will not forget them in my life,” Mr. Harris said.
Chief Superintendent Harris also thanked the National and Provincial Governments for supporting him with resources.
He further acknowledged the Japanese Government for donating five new police vehicles through the National Government to Enga, which were allocated to Police Station Commands in each of the districts.
Meanwhile, incoming PPC Acting Superintendent Daniel Yangen said he would carry forward what Mr. Harris had left.
Mr. Yangen denounced compensation payments, which he said were being used to encourage people to avoid allowing the law to deal with criminal matters.
He said under his leadership, police would take tough action to enforce the law on issues affecting law and order in the province.
“I will ensure zero tolerance on drinking beer in public places or alcohol abuse, home brewing, loitering or gambling and unroadworthy vehicles on the road. I will arrest those who are abusing social media, and they will face the consequences under the Cyber Crime Act,” Mr. Yangen warned the crowd at Wabag.
He also stressed the extension of the Gun Amnesty Programme, appealing to people in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them before the law comes down hard on them.
The ceremony was small, but significant, as outgoing PPC CSP Steven Harris formally handed over office to incoming PPC Acting Superintendent Daniel Yangen.
The ceremony was officially witnessed by the Gun Amnesty Programme Coordinator, law and order officers, other key stakeholders and the people of Enga.