Phone numbers of senior PNG police made public

7:47 am on 19 January 2016

A senior Papua New Guinea police officer has publicised the cellphone numbers of local commanders in an effort to address police misconduct and improve community relations.

The National Capital District Metropolitan Commander Ben Turi has released more than a dozen numbers, including that of the provincial head Sylvester Kalaut.

The move comes after he revealed that 41 Port Moresby officers have been suspended for misconduct since October, and over 1600 complaints of police abuse were reported over a seven year period.

Mr Turi says people should start calling commanders directly to make sure complaints are dealt with.

He says senior officers should be available at all times.

"A number of police station commanders are happy with what I have done. Maybe a few don't want to be bothered but they have no choice because I have been called. Call them. People have been calling my at one o'clock, two o'clock, three o'clock in the morning for assistance. Policing commanders can be called anytime of the night to assist. We are here to serve our people, regardless of when and what time."