The Diocesan Probationary Services Program conducts awareness on law and order issues in Aitape.

According to Tony Elmale, Diocesan Coordinator of the program, this awareness program was basically to educate the people on the legal aspects of various law and order issues which have been on the rise in the diocese. The awareness program has been ongoing for 3 weeks targeting people living in and around the town area of Aitape, and also the villages.

The program in joint partnership with the District Police has been successfully carried out to address such issues as drugs, alcohol, in possession of offensive weapons, child abuse, wife beating and other related issues.

Mr. Elmale also added that the public awareness program was to help ensure and maintain a peaceful atmosphere in Aitape.

He said that with the road linkage to Vanimo and East Sepik Province, it was likely that there would be a rise in the rate of lawlessness in the communities and therefore, after 3 weeks of awareness, anyone found caught committing these offences will be brought before the law and charged immediately.