US and PNG police begin first joint digital forensics course

THE United States and Papua New Guinea launched their first joint digital forensics training course for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) on Aug. 31, a step aimed at building the Pacific nation’s capacity to investigate cyber threats.

The week-long course, run at the Airways Hotel in Port Moresby, will train twelve officers from the RPNGC Investigations Unit-CYBER Division in techniques including computer search and seizure and cell phone technology.

“This historic training represents a major milestone in our bilateral partnership, equipping Papua New Guinea’s law enforcement with the specialized skills needed to secure its digital borders and protect its citizens from cyber threats,” said Alex M. Berenberg, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby

The program, known as CYBER/BIRDE (Basic Incident Response to Digital Evidence), was organised by the US Embassy Port Moresby in partnership with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and the U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Training Centre.

Two Federal Law Enforcement Training Centres (FLETC) instructors, Daniel Bien and Kristan Troop, are leading the course. The curriculum covers cryptographic hashing, chain of evidence preservation, field previews and incident-detecting encryption, preparing investigators to analyse complex digital evidence using industry-standard forensic tools such as Autopsy.

The United States framed the initiative as part of a wider push to reinforce regional security through self-reliant local partners, aligning with its Public Diplomacy Strategic Plan and its stated commitment to serve as Papua New Guinea’s security and technology partner of first choice.

“By training these twelve specialized cyber officers, we are investing in Papua New Guinea’s self-reliance, ensuring local investigators have the tools and trusted technological standards to lead regional security efforts.”