Tonga Police to Regain Public Confidence ^Featured

Hon Dr Tu’i’onetoa revealed this in an exclusive interview with Tonga Daily News last week, saying that his new appointment to the position means improved tasks and responsibilities for the Ministry.

He said that public confidence in the Police Force fell in the recent months and he has promised that he will try to ensure that police officers across the Kingdom lift their performance.
And he had stressed that he will not tolerate corruption of any form within the Force.

“I am an audit man and that kind of behavior will not be tolerated,” he said.

“That includes beating of a victim or anyone by a Police officer and off course accepting bribes.”

Hon Tu‘i‘onetoa emphasized that such behavior will be banned from the Ministry while he is Minister.

“For it is important that the public know they are safe and they can trust us and that comes with the need for us to excel in our performances so we can fulfill our responsibilities,” he said.
At the same time Hon Tu‘i‘onetoa voiced his concern over incidents of lost files in many cases that contribute to them losing the public’s confidence.

“We are trying to keep record of all files regarding complaints and so forth because if we lose some files, the public will question our ability to complete and tend to their complaints and cases and that itself creates distrust for us,” he said.

The issues were also the focus of former Police Commissioner Grant O’Fee, who retired in December last year.
Meanwhile, working relations between Tonga Police, Australian Federal of Police and New Zealand Police will continue to improve.
The Minister of Police said he will strive to improve the work force for the betterment of the country.

Source: Tonga Daily News