For the first time since 1997, the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) will operate under an officially approved framework after the Minister of Internal Affairs and Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) put pens to paper Wednesday.
Minister Andrew Napuat and Chairman John Taleo signed the revised VPF organisational structure in the presence of Police Commissioner Kalshem Bongran and senior officers of the Force.
There have been numerous reviews over the past years, but none were formally approved by the minister in accordance with the Police Act [CAP. 105], said the Acting Director of the VPF’s Corporate Service Unit (CSU), Wilson Abiut.
He said that the current 2022 structure provides for 1,868 positions, of which 1,039 are filled, leaving 829 vacancies within the Vanuatu Mobile Force, Police, and Maritime units.
Abiut said the absence of an officially endorsed framework has resulted in a large number of acting positions, costing the Force more than VT58 million (US$486,000) every year.
According to the CSU Acting Director, the endorsement will now allow new officers to be brought into the Force once the rollout of the revised structure begins in July this year and continues through to 2030.
He added that it would need VT66 million (US$553,000) from the supplementary budget to properly fill and fund the positions.
In his remarks, Minister Napuat acknowledged that the absence of a formally endorsed structure has posed challenges in budget alignment, operational implementation, promotions, and succession planning.
“The formal endorsement of this organisational structure signifies a decisive step forward. It brings clarity, accountability, and alignment. Importantly, it ensures that the structure is now fully integrated into the Department of Finance system, enabling proper budgetary alignment, improved funding mechanisms, and more effective resource allocation,” he said.
“What has been delivered is not merely a revision, it is a significant improvement. A structure that is stronger, more responsive, and better suited to meet the evolving needs of our country.
“However, as we celebrate this achievement, we must also acknowledge that this is not the end of the journey.
“The ongoing remodelling exercise being undertaken across the Force will require further adjustments. As our national priorities evolve and the security environment continues to change, it is essential that this structure remains dynamic, relevant, and responsive. This will require continuous collaboration with the Department of Finance to ensure that all adjustments are properly embedded within government systems.”
The minister emphasised that a well-defined organisational structure is the backbone of any effective institution.
“It provides direction, ensures accountability, and enables growth. With this endorsement, we are strengthening the foundation upon which the VPF will continue to build its professionalism, integrity, and service to our people,” he said.
Minister Napuat thanked Commissioner Bongran and his team for their commitment and professionalism in ensuring the structure is not only aligned with the policies of the ministry but also meets the standards required by the Department of Finance.
