The 50th intake of the Tonga Police recruitment started their training on 25 July at the Tonga Police College in Longolongo.

Commissioner Shane McLennan told the 35 new recruits that they are entering into a career that is not easy. 

“Policing is not easy, it has challenges including risks to life. Helping to keep your families and communities safe, may be the best reward you will get.” 

He said of his ‘five points of focus’ were designed to give focus and provide direction and meaning to what they do in Tonga Police. They include:

• One Team, Same Team,
• Support the frontline,
• Be one with the community,
• Value our stakeholder relationships, and
• Connect with the Pacific.

The new wing includes18 men and 17 women and is named the ‘Lord Fielakepa Recruit Wing’.

Lord Fielakepa was chosen because not only he was a former Acting Commissioner of Police for over a year from April 2021 to May 2022, but he is also a Noble of the Realm, and is the Chief of Defence Staff of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, a great inspiration and leader, said the Commissioner.

Meanwhile, the training runs in two phases, including a six-months residential phase and 18-months field phase. 

During the residential phase, the recruits carry out classroom-based learning in addition to building of their physical fitness. 

They then go out and complete workplace attachment during the field phase where they would apply the knowledge they have learned during the residential phase. 

Upon completion of their two-year probationary period, all graduates will receive a Diploma in General Policing and would then be qualified to confirm as a Police Constable within the Tonga Police. 

Meanwhile, the recruitment training is supported by specialist experts internally and externally.

The Tonga Police College is a Registered Post-Compulsory Education and Training Provider committed to training and developing police officers and members of the Tonga Police, in order to maintain Tonga Police services at a highly accountable and professional level.