Retiring Deputy Police Commissioner urges officers to understand rule of law [1]
Thursday, February 21, 2013 - 22:08. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Retiring Deputy Commissioner of Police Taniela Faletau. Police Headquarters, Longolongo, Nuku'alofa, February 20, 2013.
Tonga's Deputy Commissioner of Police Taniela Faletau (56) has taken up voluntary retirement effective March 1, after over 30-years of service. Trained in New Zealand the top cop was farewelled with a parade at the Police Headquarters in Longolongo today, Wednesday February 20.
Taniela said he took up voluntary retirement provided under the Tonga Police Act 2010, which starts at 55-years-old. The compulsory retirement age for a police officer is 60-years-old. "I look forward to some good rest," he said today.
At the farewell event yesterday, speeches of praise were delivered by both the Minister of Police Hon Siosifa Tu'utafaiva and Police Commissioner Grant O'Fee. when Taniela was presented with a Long Service Certificate.
Hon. Sifa Tu'utafaiva who took up his post on February 2 said, one of the reasons he accepted the Prime Minister's invitation to become a Police Minister was to work with Taniela whom he knew as a police prosecutor in court.
"I thank you for your service to the police, a high benchmark set by long service. A huge loss of talent but all good things must come to an end," he said.
Taniela in his words of thanks advised Tongan Police officers they must first devote themselves to God.
He said there was a need for officers to know and understand the law, particularly the Tonga Police Act 2010.
"Over the past five years Tonga Police has undergone major reforms under a new system of government governed by the Rule of Law. It is therefore essential that police officers understand the law so they avoid any overstep and abuse of police powers," he said.
Service
Taniela entered Tonga Police as Cadet Officer on August 1, 1982 after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the South Pacific majoring in Management and Politics.
He was trained at the Royal New Zealand Police College in Poirua, the FBI Academy, and attended several Interpol General Assemblies in Europe among other duties.
Deputy Commissioner Koloale'o Soakai said he was instrumental in steering and implementing various reforms in the Tonga Police under the Tonga Police Development Program.
"He acted in the Commissioner role several times since 2001 and led the Tonga Police at some challenging times such as after the November 16, 2006 riots and during the transition period between appointments of Commissioners.
"He is a credit to the Tonga Police, a highly committed officer who is never satisfied with any action until he sees completeness, detail and excellence. Such dedication has never gone unnoticed, and the late King Tupou V appointed him as a member of the Royal Order of the Crown, on November 30, 2010."