The Vanuatu Police Force will soon be able to place officers into full-time permanent positions, replacing a number of roles that have remained under acting arrangements.

This is one of the major changes expected under the implementation of the new Vanuatu Police Force organisational structure, which was officially lodged yesterday.

The structure, whose development dates back to 1997, has now completed the final stage of its process following signatures from the Minister, the Chairman of the Commission, and the Police Commissioner.

Police Commissioner Kalshem Bongran said he is confident the new structure will greatly improve the work of the police force.

“Our budget will now align with the structure, including staff allocations and posting numbers, which will make our human resource management much more efficient.”

Commissioner Bongran said the reform will help align the police budget with actual staffing numbers and deployment needs across the force.

He added that it will also improve succession planning, giving officers clearer pathways on future postings, required training, and promotion preparation.

“It will help us plan succession better by giving officers prior knowledge of where they may be posted and allowing us to prioritise the right training before they are promoted.”

Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuatu, who oversees the police portfolio, said a strong organisation must be built on a strong structure.

“When you fix your structure and build it strongly to respond to the organisation’s needs, you are able to run it effectively and drive the key policies moving forward.”

He said the new structure will provide stronger direction, improve accountability, and support growth within the Vanuatu Police Force.

VPF Acting Director of the Corporate Service Unit, Senior Inspector Wilson Abiut, said the structure will also solve long-standing challenges around officers who were recruited into new roles without formal positions being created.

“The signing of the structure gives these officers the formal positions they need within the police force.”

Following the official lodging, the Vanuatu Police Force is now targeting July this year to begin implementing the 2026 structure.