Taukatelata Vakalahi (25) from 'Ahononou, Fua'amotu was the top student of 52 new officers who graduated on June 18 from the Tonga Police Recruit Course 39 at the Police Training School, Longolongo.

The graduates included five women officers. Their Graduation Parade was inspected by Commander Chris Kelley and followed by demonstrations of physical education, a recruitment arms display and cultural dancing that delighted the crowd.

Commander Kelley congratulated the new recruits, who include 33 police officers, nine prison wardens and 10 fire officers aged between 18 to 30 years old, for completing their studies since their training began in November 2008. They achieved a 65-passing rate and he reminded them that their responsibility now is to build on the important skills learned and maintain it.

"You are graduating from the Police Training School in a time of change and organisational development, which is an exciting time. You are the change and the public face of the police."

Under the Tonga Police Long Term Plan in working towards "A Safer Community for Tonga", new officers were taught how to apply law and procedures, how to deal with criminal offences, the proper use of equipment, how to interview suspects and deal with victims. They also learned communication skills for public engagement.

"We are looking for leaders in the Police and in the community who have the initiative, integrity and ethics," said the Commander.

At the same time he emphasised the importance of always operating within the law because they "do not tolerate any excuses".