Eleven Tonga Police officers completed two weeks Close Personal Protection training led by Police Trainers from the Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services.

The training was led by four Police trainers from the Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services. The training aimed at developing the abilities of the Tonga Police officers in protecting and ensuring the safety of visiting foreign dignitaries and VIP guests.

Police Commissioner Shane McLennan said he was honoured as the Chairperson of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police, to see the training “To build the capacity and professionalize policing within the Pacific. To have this course be delivered and be successful the way it has been done. By the Pacific, for the Pacific is truly a great achievement.”

Senior Sergeant Afereti said that they practised what was being taught during the official visit of the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister to Tonga that coincided with the training.

Three female Tonga Police officers participated in the course.

The training was funded by the Australian Federal Police and facilitated by the Tonga-Australia Policing Partnership (TAPP). AFP Senior Protective Service Officer Michael Ronan provided support and oversight of the training program.