Tonga Police are learning how to interview vulnerable witnesses through a Families Free of Violence Program conducted by Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Tonga.

The training for ‘Interviewing of Vulnerable Witnesses and Persons’ was held in Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u during May.

Police Commissioner Shane McLennan acknowledged the Australian Government, the AFP, and the Families Free of Violence Program team for their ongoing support towards Tonga Police. 

“With this aid by AFP, Tonga Police will move towards technology to facilitate and assist with their services,” he said.

AFP provided four portable video recording machines for interviewing vulnerable witnesses, including victims of domestic and family violence, children, people with a disability, the LGBTQIA+ community and the elderly. The video machines were distributed, with one in Ha’apai, one in Vava’u, two in Tongatapu.