The Welfare Section of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary has completed a two-week rural outreach program across Central and Gulf provinces, concluding its final visit at Malalaua Police Station in Gulf Province on June 4.
The outreach program saw welfare officers visit ten police stations, providing practical guidance to police spouses and children on welfare rights, responsibilities and support services available through the Constabulary.
Stations visited during the program included Moreguina, Kupiano, Upulima, Kwikila, Sogeri, 15 Mile, Doa, Bereina, the Gulf Provincial Police Headquarters in Kerema and Malalaua.
Throughout the outreach, the Welfare Team conducted awareness sessions covering a range of topics affecting police families.
Among the key areas discussed was the importance of maintaining updated records of service to ensure spouses and dependents can access benefits such as health insurance, accommodation, life insurance cover, leave entitlements and final employment benefits.
Families were also educated on domestic violence, child protection, financial literacy and welfare support services available through the RPNGC.
The team encouraged families experiencing domestic issues to seek assistance through the Police Welfare Office and highlighted legal protections available for women and children.
Financial literacy sessions focused on long-term financial planning, including information on Nambawan Super products such as Voluntary Contributions, Retirement Savings Accounts and Choice Super.
Participants welcomed the outreach initiative, with many saying it was the first time officers from Police Headquarters had visited their communities to discuss welfare issues affecting police families.
“This is the first time a team from Police Headquarters has come to us in the rural areas educating us on the reality of what is faced by many families in the barracks. We now understand where to seek help and how our welfare concerns can be addressed,” one participant said.
A key outcome of the outreach was the collection of data on police officers living with chronic illnesses and families requiring legal documentation to formalize marriages.
The information gathered will assist the Welfare Section in planning future support programs, including marriage ceremonies to be conducted in provinces by RPNGC chaplains who are certified marriage celebrants.
The outreach program forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure police families are recognized and supported for their role in maintaining the wellbeing and effectiveness of serving police officers.
RPNGC Welfare officers said strengthening family welfare remains an important component of building a resilient and professional police force.
