Vanuatu’s newly appointed Commissioner of Police (COMPOL), Kalshem Bongran, has vowed to end the culture of missing case files, mishandled evidence, and silence bought behind closed doors.
Speaking at the handing over of the Commissioner’s Sword yesterday, the COMPOL sent a clear and direct message: the era of internal compromise in the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) is over.
“We cannot build public trust if we are compromised inside. When officers manipulate evidence, when case files go missing, when silence is bought—it is the citizen who pleads. No more. That chapter is over,” he said.
Standing before the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Finance, Johnny Koanapo, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, development partners’ representatives, government and VPF officials, and community representatives, COMPOL Bongran made it clear that his appointment is not about one man rising in rank, but about the collective soul of the VPF embracing transformation.
“This is not just about a title. It is not merely a leadership transition. It is a solemn declaration of a journey—one built on duty, unity, transformation, and the unwavering spirit of our people,” he said.
Bongran made it clear that justice delayed will no longer be accepted as normal in the force.
“For too long, some have cried out for justice but been met with delay. Delayed justice is denied justice. Every unresolved case, every forgotten file, is not just a bureaucratic lapse—it is a betrayal of the people we serve. That ends today.”
He said the role of Commissioner is not about being elevated above others, but about carrying a responsibility on behalf of the entire country.
“I do not carry this alone, but shoulder it with every officer, every civilian partner, every elder, every youth, every development partner, and every soul who calls this nation home.”
Commissioner Bongran committed to reopen cold cases and follow through on incomplete investigations—not because it is politically convenient, but because, he said, it is “morally essential.”
He warned that from this day forward, all officers will be held to the same legal standard.
“No rank will shield wrongdoing. Every officer—from recruit to commissioner—must stand under the same law. Our badge will shine not because it is police—but because it is clean.”
In a wide-ranging address, Bongran laid out five core pillars that will shape his vision for the VPF. At the centre of that vision is discipline, which he described as the “backbone of our honour.”
“Discipline is not just obedience. A disciplined officer does not fall back into darkness. And built on discipline is respect—respect for the law, for our culture, for our elders, for one another, and most importantly, for the citizens we have sworn to serve.”
He said the uniform should never be seen as a symbol of power, but of humility and service.
“When we treat every person with dignity, we do more than uphold order—we build peace.”
The new Commissioner also pledged to modernise the force by equipping officers with 21st-century tools, including digital forensics training and trauma-informed care practices, with support from international partners. He said promotions would be based on merit, not connections, and that young graduates waiting in the shadows would be given opportunities and mentorship.
“Promotions will be earned, not gifted. Our young graduates…will be brought into the light. Because within our ranks today walk the Commissioners of tomorrow.”
He also addressed the misuse of police resources.
“Our vehicles will no longer be misused for personal purposes. Alcohol and kava will not share space with duty. Our assets will serve the mission, not convenience.”
Bongran added that financial and operational transparency is now a non-negotiable.
“Our operations and finances will be open to scrutiny. A police force that hides in darkness cannot protect in daylight. Trust is not given—it is earned through transparency.”
He further called for inclusiveness in the force, promising executive leadership opportunities for women and more attention to rural voices. In a message to Vanuatu’s youth, especially those on the margins of society, he said they would not be left behind.
“To our youth—the so-called ‘Joss and Josslyn’—you will not be discarded. You will be welcomed back into society, with guidance and hope.”
Bongran called for an end to internal divisions within the police force, saying there would be no more group rivalries or ranks that operate in silos.
“There is no Group A, no Group B, no Group C in the Vanuatu Police Force. We will replace rivalry with respect, suspicion with solidarity, and division with discipline.”
He said the Police Force of the future will use real-time intelligence to prevent crime, while remaining grounded in community relationships.
“Our officers will be neighbours, not strangers. Partners, not enforcers. And together with our communities, we will co-create safety.”
COMPOL Bongran closed his remarks with a call to action, asking every officer to join him in leading a cultural shift across the force.
“The time for complacency is over. The time for excuses is over. The time for bold, ethical leadership is now. Let our legacy not be one of power—but of service. Let history record this day not just as a change in title—but as the beginning of transformation.”
