Tonga's Deputy Police Commander, Taniela Faletau, is currently the Acting Commissioner of Police, effective from August 5 to September 22 following the departure, of Police Commissioner Chris Kelley on August 6.

Deputy Cmdr Faletau said on August 9 that Chris Kelley is still Police Commissioner until he officially finishes his leave on September 22 at the end of his service.

"So during this time I am doing his work while he is on the vacation leave," he said. This has been the usual procedure in the past.

King in Privy Council

The Acting Police Commissioner appointment is clearly stated under the Tonga Police Act 2010 is that of the King in Privy Council.

The law states that if there is a vacancy in the office of Commissioner or if the Commissioner is absent from duty of from the Kingdom, or is for any other reason unable to perform the functions of the Commissioner, the King in Privy Council having received advice from the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel, shall appoint a person to act as Commissioner as soon as practicable after the vacancy, absence or inability occurs.