Tongan police officers, Chief Inspector Palepina Tonga, Chief Inspector Siosaia Tongamohenoa and Inspector Fuka Talanoa, have left for an International Leadership Programme, to be held at the College of Policing in the United Kingdom from 15 May to 9 June.

Police Commissioner Shane McLennan tsaid that Tonga Police is committed to building the capacity of its high potential officers, empowering and enabling them to lead with confidence in an increasingly complex operational environment.

He said the International Leadership Programme (ILP) run by the UK College of Policing offers capacity building opportunity and the three officers are first to attend from Tonga.

"This will greatly benefit from, not only for their personal professional growth, but also as middle managers, they will help drive positive changes in progressing and professionalising of the Tonga Police.

“The ILP focuses on developing core personal and organisational skills and some of the key benefits that our officers are expected to gain from this program, include learning to lead change in a dynamic policing environment, improved awareness of international policing and security issues, and forming of international networks to share good practices."

In addition, Commissioner McLennan acknowledged the British High Commissioner, HE Lucy Joyce OBE, for her valued support in securing this important capacity-building opportunity for Tonga Police officers.