A total of 93 Police Officers graduated from the Tonga Police College, with a Diploma Certificate in General Policing Level 5, on 7 December, 2023. Honour medals and Service medals were also presented to outstanding police officers, and civilian staff at the ceremony.

The graduates came from Tonga Police Recruit Wings 46, 47, 48 and 49, who have completed a two year probationary period, including 18 months of workplace attachment.

A/Cmdr. Sioeli Tuimoala, of Police Learning and Capability Development, said that the diploma reflected not only academic excellence but also an understanding of the principles and practices essential to modern law enforcement.

Graduates were required to show an ability to understand and apply laws and procedures, utilize systems and equipment effectively, communicate efficiently, solve problems in police practice, manage incidents and offenses, and exercise ethical judgment and professionalism.

Tonga Police Commissioner, Shane McLennan, awarded the diplomas and medals. He acknowledged the graduates for their hard work and achievement.

“This is a day for celebration, and awards for service of any kind are important. Important for several reasons; important for the individual, important for the organization, and most importantly, their recognition of the community and recognition of families.”

Part of the program was to farewell Detector Dog Gemma, acknowledging her significant contribution to Tonga’s fight against illicit drugs. Gemma’s replacement, Detector Dog Hague, was also introduced and handed over by New Zealand Police, Sergeant Mike Robinson to Tonga Police Detector Dog Handler, Acting Sergeant Samuel Pekipaki.

During the graduation ceremony, various medals were awarded, including 36 Long Service and Good Conduct medals, three Meritorious medals, two Civilian Long service medals and 11 Valour medals.

• The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, which is awarded after eighteen years of service, thereafter, every ten years subsequent service will be awarded with a bar. Thirty-six officers were presented with this medal.

• The Meritorious Medal recognizes members for their outstanding and prestige service, to the community, to the country, and to Tonga Police. Three individuals were presented with this medal:

  1. Former Acting Chief Superintendent, Ashley FUA for significant contributions to the professionalism and development of Tonga Police over an extended period of time.

  2. Detective Sergeant Bray LAUTI for exemplary performance of duty, particularly as a role model and mentor.

  3. Australian Federal Police Sergeant Sean CAMPBELL for service to Tonga Police during his Australian Federal Police deployment, and for courage and professionalism displayed during the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai event.

• The Tonga Police Medal of Valour is to recognize members for their performance, acts of exceptional courage and skills, or exhibited conspicuous devotion to duty. Four medals were presented to:
  1. Acting Sergeant Rosemary FOSITA for exceptional courage and skill displayed during a water rescue in the Ha’ano Group of Islands on 27 January 2021 that potentially saved 17 lives.
  2. The Late Senior Constable Kusuta VIMAHI posthumously awarded for exceptional courage and skill displayed during an armed incident at Mataki’eua on 23 March 2020.

  3. Sergeant Tevita VAKALAHI for exceptional courage and skill displayed during an armed incident at Hala’ovave on 12 September 2021.

  4. Deputy Commissioner Chief of Staff Pelenatita Fe’ao VAISUAI for conspicuous devotion to duty, particularly as a long-serving member of the Tonga Police Senior Executive.

• The Tonga Police Civilian Long Service Award is for civilian members with 18 years of service, thereafter, every ten years of subsequent service will be awarded with a badge. Two civilian members were presented with this award:
  1. Admin Grade 1 Seletute MOALA’EUA for 19 years of service (bronze badge)
  2. Admin Grade 1 Katokakala FAINGA’ANUKU for 29 years of service (silver badge).

Guests attending the program included the CEO Tonga National Qualification and Accreditation Board, Tonga Police Senior Executive members, commissioned officers, New Zealand and Australian Police Advisors, representatives of the Recruit Wing Patrons, families, and friends of the awardees.