Police forces from across the Pacific will gather in Papua New Guinea on 22 July for the inaugural Pacific Police Band Tattoo, a vibrant musical and cultural showcase hosted by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) with support from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The event will take place at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby, immediately following the Pacific Policing Forum, where senior officers will address critical law-and-order issues confronting the region. The Tattoo aims to celebrate police discipline, tradition and regional unity through music.
Law enforcement bands from eight Pacific nations, including New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Nauru and Australia, will perform alongside local groups in a ceremonial display of pride and partnership.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the Tattoo and the Pacific Policing Forum reinforce the goals of the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), aimed at strengthening cross-border law enforcement.
“The Pacific has unique policing priorities, and we are stronger when we work together to ensure the safety and security of everyone in our communities,” Kershaw said.
“The Pacific Police Band Tattoo provides an opportunity to take a moment to celebrate tradition and music with the public and acknowledge the growing strength of our cooperation. I
n less than a year, the region’s police agencies have worked together to take the PPI from a concept to reality.”
Papua New Guinea’s Commissioner of Police, David Manning, said the event is a fitting tribute as the country marks its 50th year of independence.
“This is a significant year for Papua New Guinea as we celebrate our 50th year of independence,” Manning said. “Strong police action is important for the lives of everyone in our communities as we work to get criminals off the street, while the Police Band Tattoo provides an opportunity to take a moment to celebrate tradition and music with the public.
“I thank the Australian Federal Police for all they are doing to bring police bands together from around the Pacific to PNG so that this event can take place.”
Commissioner Manning said regional integration of police operations is becoming increasingly important in tackling transnational crime.
“Engagement and the integration of police operations at a regional level is increasingly important in the fight against international criminal networks that operate across borders. The Pacific Policing Forum in July provides an opportunity to strengthen this law enforcement coordination that is promoted through the Pacific Policing Initiative.”
He said Papua New Guinea is now leading regional training through the Police Regional Centre of Excellence, with strong support from partners including the AFP. “In the Pacific, no matter what job or position a person holds, culture and togetherness are important, so the Tattoo is a fitting conclusion to our forum in July.”
“This Tattoo is a proud first for the Pacific and one that will showcase not only our regional identity and talent, but also the strength of our policing relationships at a time when they have never been more important.”
Before arriving in Port Moresby, the police bands will gather in Brisbane, where the AFP will host them at its PPI Development and Coordination Hub. Commissioner Kershaw said this pre-gathering will offer further opportunities for cultural exchange.
“Police bands have a historic and vibrant tradition across the world, and we’re proud to support the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in creating this joyful initiative,” he said. “But, beyond the music and the marching, this kind of cultural event also plays a key role in strengthening our partnerships across the Pacific in ways that go beyond simply policing.”
“It’s the bringing together of Pacific music and culture with police tradition, and we’re delighted to support an event that is by the Pacific, for the Pacific.”
The Pacific Police Band Tattoo will be broadcast and streamed across the region. The performance line-up includes bands from the RPNGC, PNG Corrective Services, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Tonga, New Zealand, Samoa, and the AFP.
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