ESP PPC BLAMES ATTITUDE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT CHALLENGES

By Nigel MADO

Provincial Police Commander [PPC], Superintendent Christopher Temari has made a bold statement, declaring that the primary issue facing law enforcement in East Sepik is not law and order, but the attitudes of the people.
Speaking on the struggles of policing a vast and diverse province, Temari stressed that attitudinal issues have become the biggest barrier to effective law enforcement. He said Crime is inevitable, but police are not policing law and order, rather policing attitude.

Temari pointed out that many crimes in the province stem from avoidable confrontations, often fueled by alcohol and personal disputes.

“It’s just, over a beer or steam, white soup. And then you have to deal with all the hassles going through. If only we can change our attitude,” he explained, expressing frustration over the social behaviors contributing to crime.

While Temari acknowledged that policing such a large area with limited resources is challenging, he believes that much of the crime could be reduced if people took responsibility for their actions and avoided resorting to violence.

“We try to be educated and be responsible, but we still have been decades,” he said, alluding to deeply ingrained cultural practices, such as compensation payments, that complicate the enforcement of the rule of law.”

In response to rising alcohol-related incidents, Temari announced that he would be imposing a province-wide liquor ban by the end of the year.

“For us, basically, by the end of December, I’m going to ban liquor now,” he said, in the hopes of reducing violent incidents.

Despite the logistical and manpower issues facing the East Sepik police, Temari is resolute in his efforts to maintain law and order in the province. “Just enforce the rule of law. We charge you and we’re going to lock you up. That’s the only way out of everything,” he concluded.