History Timeline

1885

German New Guinea established

1885: German New Guinea established – A German colonial police force is set up in the northeastern part of the island of New Guinea, which is under German administration.
1888

British New Guinea established

1888: British New Guinea established – A British colonial police force is set up in the southeastern part of the island, which is under British administration.
1905

British New Guinea becomes Papua

1905: British New Guinea becomes Papua – The British colonial police force continues to operate in the territory, now called Papua.
1914

Australian forces occupy German New Guinea

1914: Australian forces occupy German New Guinea – During World War I, Australian forces take over the German territory, and the German colonial police force is disbanded.
1921

League of Nations mandates Australian administration of former German New Guinea

1921: League of Nations mandates Australian administration of former German New Guinea – The territory is renamed the Territory of New Guinea, and an Australian-administered police force is established.
1942-1945

Japanese occupation during World War II

1942-1945: Japanese occupation during World War II – The police forces in both Papua and New Guinea are disbanded, and law enforcement is overseen by the occupying Japanese forces
1945

Australian administration resumes in Papua and New Guinea

1945: Australian administration resumes in Papua and New Guinea – Separate police forces are re-established in each territory.
1949

Papua and New Guinea merge under Australian administration

1949: Papua and New Guinea merge under Australian administration – The police forces of the two territories are combined to form the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).
1950s-1960s

Expansion and modernization

1950s-1960s: Expansion and modernization – The RPNGC expands its presence throughout the country and undergoes significant modernization, including the establishment of specialized units and increased training and professional development for officers
1973

Self-government for Papua New Guinea

1973: Self-government for Papua New Guinea – The RPNGC continues to operate under the newly formed government, which is preparing for full independence.
1975

Papua New Guinea gains independence

1975: Papua New Guinea gains independence – The RPNGC becomes the national police force of the independent nation.
1989-1998

Bougainville Crisis

1989-1998: Bougainville Crisis – The RPNGC is involved in operations against the Bougainville Revolutionary Army during the conflict on the island of Bougainville.
2000s

Capacity-building and international cooperation

2000s: Capacity-building and international cooperation – The RPNGC engages in capacity-building initiatives, such as the Papua New Guinea-Australia Policing Partnership, to improve its effectiveness and strengthen its international partnerships.
2018

APEC Summit

2018: APEC Summit – The RPNGC plays a key role in maintaining security during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Port Moresby.
2023 and beyond

2023 and beyond

Ongoing efforts to improve policing and tackle crime – The RPNGC continues to work on modernizing its practices, improving community relations, and addressing challenges such as transnational crime, drug trafficking, and corruption.