By Linny Folau

Twenty-one police officers had their employment terminated by Tonga Police Board due to serious disciplinary breaches and criminal convictions.

The Board through recommendations from a Police Employment Committee, chaired by Police Commissioner Steve Caldwell terminated these employments, after a board hearing on October 19-22.

This was due to loss of confidence over their criminal convictions and serious disciplinary breaches.

Chairman of the Police Board Hon Mr Justice Cato in a judgment said there was a failure of these police officers to live up to the ethical and professional standards required of a Tongan Police Officer. 

Of the 21 terminations, 14 were based on serious disciplinary breaches that included absence from duty without authorisation, failure to complete the recruitment requirements and sexual harassment.

In addition, seven terminations were for criminal cases that included extortion, obtaining money by false pretences, theft, assaults, reckless driving causing death and forgery. 

Sexual harassament

Justice Cato said sexual harassment is totally unacceptable behavior and must not be tolerated in the Tonga Police.

“Females or for that matter any police officer is entitled to serve free from harassment of any kind be it sexual, bullying or other humiliating conduct,” he said.

“There must be adequate avenues provided and education to allow officers who fall victim to these practices to make a timely complaint and seek professional advice within the force and if need be in confidence. If there is an adverse culture in the Tonga Police or parts of it, that culture must be arrested forthwith.” 

In addition, Police Commissioner Caldwell said the public rightly expects the highest levels of professionalism and ethical behaviour from their Police.

“There is absolutely zero tolerance for unlawful and ill-disciplined behavior. Every police officer is accountable to the law, not above it,” he said.

Commissioner Caldwell commended the courage of the policewomen that came forward to make their complaints. 

“The immediate suspensions of the two police officers concerned and the very clear and strong message by Justice Cato and the Police Board has put a stake in the ground that the workplace will be a safe environment,” he said.

“There is an expectation for good behaviour and to treat all colleagues with respect and dignity.”

Clean-up

Since 2015, the Police Commissioner has suspended 64 police officers from police duty, 44 were under criminal investigations and 20 for disciplinary issues.

Three are currently serving prison terms.

Meanwhile, members of the Tonga Police Board Members includes Hon Mr Justice Cato (Chairman), Lord Tupou and ‘Alisi Taumoepeau.