The police commander in the southern region of Papua New Guinea's Bougainville says he has issued an ultimatum to the community in Buin or police will leave the town.
Senior Sergeant John Popui says there has been a lot of criminality but the last straw was a vicious machete attack on one of his officers which left him with slashes on his limbs and his head.
The man also lost a thumb.
Mr Popui says if the local community does not surrender the culprits police will move to another town.
He says the community has until Friday to act and police in the meantime will be withdrawing some services.
"We are not going to receive any complaints at the public safety counter. We are going to stay in the office until the community gives us assurance that those concerned suspects are going to be brought to the police."
