Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) will soon roll out a nationwide mobile crime reporting application, marking the first major step in a 100-day reform plan unveiled by the newly appointed Commissioner.

In a press conference today, the Commissioner, Kalshem Bongran described the app as a “powerful digital platform that will allow citizens from anywhere in the country to report crimes, track investigation progress, and submit evidence in real time.”

The mobile app is part of a larger 100-Day Strategic Action Plan, a reform blueprint described by the Commissioner as “a movement—not a checklist.” The plan aims to rebuild public trust, modernize systems, and re-establish internal discipline across the force.

“We are not waiting for change to happen. We are beginning the change,” the Commissioner declared.

The plan is structured around four phases and 24 priority actions, including:

• Rebuilding the internal chain of command and ending what he called “intellectual business” within the force.
• Reactivating high-profile cold cases through a dedicated task force.
• Launching a new forensic science lab to replace outdated investigative practices with evidence-based methods.
• Rolling out CCTV surveillance and live border monitoring with real-time data streaming to headquarters.
• Implementing a new HR and promotions policy, with officers required to sign loyalty pledges—not to leadership, but to the Constitution and the communities they serve.
• Working with Transparency International to set up secure and independent whistleblower mechanisms.
• Engaging directly with communities through new public policy frameworks co-created with local councils.

“Enforcement alone is not enough. We must rebuild public trust from the ground up,” said the Commissioner.

He added that this digital-first approach would give citizens a direct voice in the justice system, allowing them to participate and hold police accountable.

The Commissioner also issued a message to development and security partners: “We are not proxies in a geopolitical game. We are sovereign peoples. Your support is welcome—but your respect is required.”

As the plan is rolled out, a strategic monitoring team will track and publicly report on progress. The Commissioner committed to personally overseeing evaluations and presenting results to government stakeholders.

“Accountability will not be a slogan. It will be a standard,” he concluded.