Papua New Guinea to host the inaugural Pacific Police Band Tattoo

09 July 2025, 10:34am

Media Release

Papua New Guinea to host the inaugural Pacific Police Band Tattoo

This is a joint media release between the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and Australian Federal Police

Editor's note: Images and artwork are available via Hightail.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), with support from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), will host police forces from across the Pacific at the inaugural Pacific Police Band Tattoo in Port Moresby on July 22.

Taking place immediately following the Pacific Policing Forum, that will examine critical law-and-order issues confronting the region, the Tattoo will showcase police force discipline, commitment and history.

Featuring law-enforcement bands from eight countries, the event at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium will bring Pacific culture to a style of musical competition anchored in tradition and ceremony.

Papua New Guinea’s Commissioner of Police, David Manning, said the Tattoo is a contribution by the RPNGC and regional Police forces to the country’s Independence commemorations.

“This is a significant year for Papua New Guinea as we celebrate our 50th year of independence,” Commissioner Manning said.

“Strong police action is important for the lives of everyone in our communities as we work to get criminals off the street, while the Police Band Tattoo provides an opportunity to take a moment to celebrate tradition and music with the public.

“I thank the Australian Federal Police for all they are doing to bring Police bands together from around the Pacific to PNG so that this event can take place.”

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the Tattoo and Pacific Policing Forum provided an opportunity to strengthen this law enforcement co-ordination that was promoted through the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI).

“The Pacific has unique policing priorities and we are stronger when we work together to ensure the safety and security of everyone in our communities,” Commissioner Kershaw said.

“The Pacific Police Band Tattoo provides an opportunity to take a moment to celebrate tradition and music with the public and acknowledge the growing strength of our cooperation.

“In less than a year, the region’s police agencies have worked together to take the PPI from a concept to reality. With all three PPI pillars now in operation, we’re building on our commitment to enhance our collective security and law enforcement cooperation across the Pacific.”

Commissioner Manning made the point that integration of police operations and intelligence sharing at a regional level is increasingly important in the fight against international criminal networks that operate across borders.

“Engagement and the integration of police operations at a regional level is increasingly important in the fight against international criminal networks that operate across borders.

“The Pacific Policing Forum in July provides an opportunity to strengthen this law enforcement co-ordination that is promoted through the Pacific Policing Initiative.

“Moving forward, Papua New Guinea is hosting training for regional personnel through the Police Regional Centre of Excellence and this is important work.

“The training is all about policing ‘by the Pacific for the Pacific’ and this is strongly supported by our partners including the AFP.

“In the Pacific, no matter what job or position a person holds, culture and togetherness is important, so the Tattoo is a fitting conclusion to our forum in July.

“This Tattoo is a proud first for the Pacific and one that will showcase not only our regional identity and talent, but also the strength of our policing relationships at a time when they have never been more important.”

All visiting police bands will meet in Brisbane before travelling to Port Moresby, with the AFP hosting the musicians at its PPI Development and Coordination Hub (The Pinkenba Hub).

Commissioner Kershaw said this pre-gathering of police bands would be an additional chance to interact and share cultural experiences in an atmosphere that underscored the wider importance of events such as the Tattoo.

“Police bands have a historic and vibrant tradition across the world, and we’re proud to support the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in creating this joyful initiative,” Commissioner Kershaw said.

“But, beyond the music and the marching, this kind of cultural event also plays a key role in strengthening our partnerships across the Pacific in ways that go beyond simply policing.

“It’s the bringing together of Pacific music and culture with police tradition, and we’re delighted to support an event that is by the Pacific, for the Pacific.”

Set for broadcast and streaming around the region, the Tattoo’s line-up will include: