Services for the public and the justice system.
The Office of the Public Prosecutor delivers prosecution services, supports victims of crime, and provides pathways for the public to engage with the justice system.
The criminal prosecution process.
From the moment a file is received from police to the conclusion of a case in court, our prosecutors follow a clear, lawful process.
Case Received
A case file is received from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary after investigation.
Review & Advice
A Senior Prosecutor reviews the evidence and provides a prosecution decision.
Court Filing
Charges are drafted and filed in the relevant National or District Court.
Hearing & Trial
Prosecutors present the case before an independent Magistrate or Judge.
Verdict
The court delivers its verdict based on the evidence presented.
Sentencing
Where a conviction is entered, the court determines an appropriate sentence.
Appeals
The Office may appeal a sentence, conviction, or acquittal where appropriate.
Closure
The case file is archived and outcomes recorded for statistical reporting.
Standing with victims.
Our Victim Support Unit ensures that survivors of crime are treated with dignity, kept informed of proceedings, and connected to medical, counselling, and protective services throughout the prosecution process.
Contact Victim SupportCase Updates
Regular information on hearings, dates, and outcomes.
Court Preparation
Pre-trial familiarisation and court-room support.
Safety Planning
Risk assessment and protection referrals.
Referrals
Counselling, medical, and social welfare services.
Witness Care
Dedicated officer for vulnerable witnesses.
Restorative Justice
Mediation and community-based resolution where appropriate.
Report a case or make a complaint.
Members of the public may report a criminal matter or make a complaint about the conduct of a prosecution. All complaints are reviewed by the Integrity & Compliance Unit.
Submit a ComplaintReport a Crime
If you are a victim or witness of a criminal offence, contact your nearest police station. Once a file is opened, it is referred to the Office for prosecution decision.
Complain about a Prosecutor
Allegations of professional misconduct may be made in writing to the Public Prosecutor. All complaints are treated confidentially.
Information for Defendants
Defendants have the right to legal representation and the presumption of innocence. Public prosecution decisions do not affect this right.
Freedom of Information
Requests for information held by the Office may be made under the Freedom of Information Act 2010.
Frequently asked questions.
How do I report a crime? +
Report the matter to your nearest police station. The police will investigate and refer the file to the Office of the Public Prosecutor for a prosecution decision.
How long does a prosecution take? +
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case, court availability, and whether the accused is in custody. Minor matters may be resolved in weeks; serious indictable matters can take 12–24 months.
Can I withdraw a complaint? +
Once a file has been received by the Office, the decision to prosecute rests with the State, not the complainant. However, victim preferences are taken into account where appropriate.
Does the Office provide legal advice to the public? +
No. The Office represents the State, not private individuals. Members of the public seeking legal advice should consult a private legal practitioner or a legal aid service.
How do I become a prosecutor? +
Vacancies are advertised on our Careers page. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), be admitted to the Bar, and meet the requirements of the Public Services Commission.
Are prosecution decisions public? +
Reasons for significant prosecution decisions are published in our annual reports and selected decisions are available on the Publications page.