The Police Vehicle Fleet in Papua New Guinea is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at cost savings, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has returned 184 hire vehicles since early 2024, replacing them with government-owned vehicles as part of a broad vehicle re-fleeting initiative.
Police Commissioner David Manning confirmed the shift in policy, stating that hire cars will now only be used temporarily for operations involving high movement demands. This marks a strategic shift in resource management, aligning with national priorities.
New Vehicles Strengthen Command Capacity
Deployment and Allocation
The RPNGC has procured 135 new vehicles, of which 45 were recently delivered. Out of these, 41 were assigned to the Special Services Division operating across the Highlands, Northern, and Islands Commands. This proactive distribution ensures operational readiness across strategic regions.
Economic Impact
The Police Vehicle Fleet upgrade, supported by the Marape-Rosso Government under the Special Police Assistance Program, is expected to save the country 54 million Kina annually. The total investment of 31 million Kina offers a high return by eliminating long-term hire car expenses.
“This is a cost-effective departure from past practices and reflects a major improvement in how resources are managed,” said Commissioner Manning.
Long-Term Vision and Vehicle Management
The RPNGC aims to establish a reliable Police Vehicle Fleet before the 2027 National General Elections. Many of the previously owned police vehicles were acquired 5 to 10 years ago and are now due for replacement. This transition ensures continuous availability of functional transport assets.
Commissioner Manning emphasized that officers must take responsibility for maintaining these vehicles properly to ensure their longevity. Misuse will not be tolerated, with disciplinary actions, including dismissal, for those who violate these rules.
“The onus is on our police men and women to properly manage the maintenance of these vehicles so they remain in service for a long time,” the Commissioner said.
Driving Transparency and Efficiency
This initiative not only updates the national Police Vehicle Fleet but also promotes accountability, efficiency, and better service delivery. It's a bold step toward modernizing police infrastructure while cutting down on unnecessary public expenditure.
For more on PNG's auto developments and police vehicle updates, visit Auto24 — your trusted source for vehicle news and listings.
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