Ten new recruits passed out as Prison Officers ^Featured

Recruit Prison Officer Molitoni Mohuanga of Ma’ufanga and Vaini, Tongatapu was named the top recruit of the 5th Prison Recruit.

Mohuanga was the overall outstanding student in the Outdoor Subjects, taking home three out of six subjects.

Kuli Tonga of Tongaleleka, Ha’apai, Kolofo’ou and Pahu, Tongatapu was the first runner up and the overall outstanding student in the Indoor Subjects.

Acting Commissioner of Prison, Leimoni Teisoni presented the certificates to the prison officers.

In his remarks, Mr Teisoni emphasized the importance of the prison officers’ roles.

“We are responsible for the safety of the prisoners as well as the community. It is of our role to make sure that we provide a safe environment for both prisoners and the public,” he told the recruits.

“This is the end of the training. Soon you will be out there in the field as prison officers, and you will face new challenges. I hope that what you have learned in your three months training will help you in overcoming those challenges and performing your job to the best of your abilities.”

The graduation marked the fifth recruitment of prison officers after the department was separated from the Ministry of Police, Prison and Fire.

Mr Teisoni said the Police, Fire and Prison departments used to train their recruit officers together because the Police have the facilities for training.

“Right now, the Prison Department carries out its own recruitment training here in Hu’atolitoli,’ he added.

MIC