The head of police in Papua New Guinea's National Capital District and Central Command says the force has made progress in reducing torture and ill-treatment of detainees.
In its 2013 report, Human Rights Watch noted widespread abuse by PNG police, including the use of excessive force against demonstrators, torture and sexual violence, including against children.
The NGO says despite signs of progress in prosecuting perpetrators, police impunity remains the norm.
The Assistant Commissioner, Jim Andrews, says when he took over Central Command at the start of the year, reports of ill-treatment were common, especially in Port Moresby.
"I have taken control of that, I have issued instructions and for the last three or four months I am able to contain the situation. There are not any reports of torture and all this at the police station. I have not received any complaints of torture in our office in the last three months."
Jim Andrews
