A $1.5 million pa’anga newly constructed barracks for women recruits at the Tonga Police College in Longolongo was opened by the Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva today 15 April.

The building consisting of 20 fully furnished bedrooms with bathroom facilities and one training room will house the new recruits in July. It was constructed under the Tonga Police Development Program funded by Australia and New Zealand, an important tri-partite partnership with Tonga.

Prime Minister Pohiva said this program has made significant progress towards its goal to achieve a trusted and respected policing service, which works in partnership to reduce crime and build safe and secure communities.

He said the new barracks and training room facility provides Tonga Police with much needed upgraded accommodation that supports the effectiveness of the accredited Tonga Police College in delivery of training to Tonga Police, at all levels from recruits to upcoming Tonga Police leaders.

Police Commissioner Steve Caldwell said the new barracks opens the door to their vision for the Tonga Police College to become a centre of learning excellence for police officers.

"I have clearly signaled that I wish the next recruit intake to be 50% women recruits."

He said the foundation of Tonga Police is the Police College, where they all begin their careers as young police officers.

“It should also be our spiritual home, where we return to refresh our knowledge and commitment to Tonga Police and remind ourselves of our mission statement to earn the trust and confidence of the people of Tonga through our service to the community.”

The opening was attended by the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners, the Ambassadors of China and Japan and invited guests.