With the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea less than a month away, the LOC is collaborating with the Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC) to ensure the security of the young athletes and their fans throughout the tournament.

After participating in a workshop on the 17-19 October, 51 policewomen have been assigned as Team Security Liaison Officers (TSLOs) for the 16 participating teams.

The TSLOs will work in groups of two or three alongside a Team Liaison Officer, and will be responsible for the security of their assigned team for the duration of the tournament.

Additional security will be provided by four female officers appointed as Venue Commanders stationed at the match venues and 130 policewomen will travel to Port Moresby from other centres around PNG to commence security operations at the end of October.

At the opening of the workshop, Police Commissioner Gari Baki congratulated the selected TSLOs and encouraged the police officers to be ambassadors for both PNG and the RPNGC as they play their roles in PNG’s first FIFA World Cup.

“I want our policewomen to be at the forefront,” he said.

“The challenge will be an eye opener for every one of us because it is the first occasion that will put us under the spotlight and also prepare us for future international events,” he added.

“The challenge is there, what we do now will have a reflection on how we prepare ourselves for APEC Summit as well, because we will use the experience we gain through the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to assist us in planning for APEC.”

The security operations have had input from the National Intelligence Office and other security partners to ensure the safety and security of the fans, international media and teams.

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will run from 13 November to 3 December in Port Moresby and Oceania will be represented by hosts Papua New Guinea and regional champions New Zealand.

For more on Papua New Guinea football visit www.pngfootball.com.pg