By Katalina Siasau
Commissioner Shane McLennan (62) farewelled Tonga Police at a marching out parade at the Tonga Police College, Longolongo, this morning, 9 May.
He has served as Commissioner of Police for the past three years. Commissioner McLennan is retiring after 47 years working as a police officer and bid an emotional farewell to his staff and police colleagues, whom he referred to as family.
“Continue to stand up for yourself, believe in yourselves and each other, because in doing so, you are the one standing up for the community, and community safety," he said.
He also urged the community to support police, "We’re here to help you, but we can’t do our job without your help.”
“Please don’t criticise and denigrate the whole organization, just because someone steps out of line. We’ll make it right," he noted.
Policing service
Commissioner McLennan's career started at 15 years old when he joined the Queensland Police Academy as a police cadet. in January 1978.
He has served in three police forces, including the Queensland Police Force, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and finished his career with Tonga Police.
Commissioner McLennan commenced his work with Tonga Police in May 2022, a particularly challenging period for Tonga, marked by the Covid-19 lockdown and the continued recovery from the devastating Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami.
As Commissioner of Police for Tonga, he provided strong support and advocacy for women in policing. The Royal Tonga Police Band now has four female officers, and the last three recruit wings have taken more females than males.
Under his leadership, the Tonga Police Women’s Advisory Network has increased the number of women serving in senior roles across the organization.
Deputy Commissioner, Chief of Staff Sokopeti Faletau said, “His commitment to gender equity has paved the way for greater representation and inclusion, and sharing that women in policing have a voice and a platform to exceed.”
Commissioner McLennan's wife Sharron, and daughters Carla and Karen, his uncle Reg, and other close family members came from Australia to attend the farewell events in Nuku'alofa.
The parade was attended by Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, Cabinet Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, senior police officers, and other distinguished guests.
