Photos by Sia Adams.

Mikaele Tonga was awarded the Baton of Honour during a graduation ceremony for Tonga Police Recruit Wing 43 on Thursday, 10 September at the Police Headquarters in Longolongo.

The Minister of Police Hon Pohiva Tu'i’onetoa gave the certificates to 29 new probationary constables, including 20 men and nine young women.

Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell in congratulating the new recruits said they will become police officers in a rapidly changing world. “We as an organization while holding on to some of the traditions and values of the past, must be prepared to change to keep up with the change and meet those very real challenges in the world, the Pacific and on our doorstep.”

He said the foundation of good policing is having a good relationship with the people they serve based on trust and respect.

"Our mission is to earn the trust and confidence of the people of Tonga through our service to the community."

The probationary constables for the next 18-months will complete a task book which is graded before the end of this duration against a competency criteria. 

Once the 18-months is completed, they will be confirmed to the rank of full constable and when they complete all requirements of the program will be awarded a Diploma in Policing, accredited to the national accreditation system, said Acting Deputy Commissioner Fua.

The recruit program ran for 24-months with two phases of training in residential and field.