34 new Probation Constables for Tonga Police [1]
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 - 23:45
‘Alipate Folau of Talihau, Vava’u was awarded the Baton of Honour and most outstanding wing member, during a passing out parade for Tonga Police Recruit Wing 50 on Friday, 16 December at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.
The Prime Minister and Minister for Police, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, presented the certificates and awards to 34 new probationary constables, who completed their six-months residential phase training. Aged in their early 20s, they include 18 men and 16 women.
In his keynote address, the PM spoke of the importance of recruitment and using every opportunity to upskill and reinforce policing services in Tonga.
"This achievement is testament to the ongoing efforts of the Tonga Police to focus on the professional development of their staff members."
He congratulated the Recruit Wing 50 members for their achievements at the end of a historical year.
“We all experienced the adverse impacts from the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption and ensuing tsunami on 15th of January this year, and the Tonga Police rose to the challenge of responding and delivering disaster operations courageously despite the limited resources.”
Policing
Police Commissioner Shane McLennan said job satisfaction in policing comes in many ways, not just from having a role in high profile investigations or achieving high rank and status.
"More often, our job satisfaction comes from the smile on the faces of boys and girls, women and men, those who we keep safe and who are able to smile, because we have done our job."
A special recognition of the Police Dog Program was also held in the retirement of Police Dog Zander and welcoming of new Police Dog Cricket.
- Best in Indoor Training, Probation Constable Leann Kama (Ha’ato’u, Ha’apai)
- Best in Outdoor Training, Probation Constable Fusi’uli’uli Manuha’apai (Holonga, Tongatapu)
- Best Woman Recruit Police, Probation Constable ‘Olivia ‘Ete’aki (Houma, Tongatapu)
- Best in Drill Training & Most Outstanding Wing Leader, Probation Constable Taniela Afu Moala (Kolomotu’a, Tongatapu)
- Most Progressive Student, Probation Constable Andrew Lausi’i (Pea, Tongatapu)
- 2nd Runner Up, Probation Constable Wesley Vehikite (Ma’ufanga, Tongatapu)
- 1st Runner Up, Probation Constable Sione Uepi (Vaini, Tongatapu)
Two phase training
Meanwhile, the training of police recruits is in two phases, a six-months residential phase and 18-months' field phase.
This was the completion of their 6-month residential phase where they carry out classroom-based learning in addition to building of their physical fitness. The next phase will be their workplace attachment where they need to apply and put into practice the knowledge they have learned in the past six-months.
At the completion of their two-years probation period, all graduates will receive a Diploma in General Policing and would then be qualified to become a Police Constable with Tonga Police.
Guests at this event included the Recruit Wing 50 Patron, Lord Fielakepa, members of the diplomatic corps, Australian and New Zealand Police Advisors, government officials, senior police officers with recruit members' families and friends.