Managed security services in Papua New Guinea

Security considerations in Papua New Guinea

Private security is a large and established industry in Papua New Guinea, and most offices, retail centres, hotels and residential compounds use guarded access points. Programs typically combine static posts, access control, cash and stock protection, and planned movement between sites. Clear Post Orders and consistent supervision matter because sites are often spread across Port Moresby, Lae and regional centres that are connected mainly by air.

English is the language of business, and officers usually also speak Tok Pisin and, in the Port Moresby area, Hiri Motu. Coverage plans should account for travel times between provinces, the wet season from roughly December to March, and relief officers for long shifts. A managed program applies the same standards, incident review and reporting format at every location.

• Waigani
• Downtown Port Moresby
• Boroko
• Gordons
• Vision City, Waigani
• Jacksons International Airport
• Lae City
• Lae Port
• Mount Hagen town
• Kokopo

How MGP delivers coverage in Papua New Guinea

Coverage in Papua New Guinea runs on the MGP Global Partner Program: MGP designs and manages the program, and officers are supplied by vetted local security partners and held to MGP Post Orders.

Private security regulation in Papua New Guinea

• The Security (Protection) Industry Act 2004 establishes the Security Industries Authority, which regulates the private security industry. Source
• A business that provides security services for reward must hold a licence from the Authority, issued in classes that cover full security services, guard services for others, and businesses that employ their own guards. Source
• A licence holder must obtain a permit before engaging a person as a security officer or guard, and the Act sets skills and training standards, including certificates from approved training institutions. Source

Cities in Papua New Guinea

• Port Moresby
• Lae
• Mount Hagen
• Madang
• Kokopo
• Alotau
• Wewak

Coverage in other provinces and at project sites is arranged on request.

Frequently asked questions

Does MGP hold its own security licence in Papua New Guinea?

No. MGP does not hold its own security licence in Papua New Guinea. Officers are employed by vetted local security companies that hold the licences and permits required under Papua New Guinean law, and MGP manages the program, its standards and its reporting.

What languages do officers speak?

Officers speak English and Tok Pisin, and many in the Port Moresby area also speak Hiri Motu. Language requirements for each post are set in the Post Orders.

See the Oceania overview for other countries and territories.