ON Friday March 18th, members from key Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) united and agreed to convey their support for the significant commitments shown by the Police Commissioner for the CSO sector with the submission of a letter to the Prime Minister and Ministry of Police.

The letter of support outlined the opinion of the Civil Society Organisations, that under the leadership of Chris Kelley the Tongan Police force has established a positive public image with tangible improvements including public patrolling, increased trust and more confidence in Tonga's
protective services.

It was noted that Chris Kelley has repeatedly and clearly demonstrated during his time as Police Commissioner his willingness and ability to listen to the community and address key issues in an unbiased, fair and professional approach.

In support of Chris Kelley's position, the CSOs highlighted the exceptional improvement in the relationship between the Ministry of Police and the Civil Society sector under his leadership.

Also stated was that Police Commissioner Chris Kelley should be commended on his approach and sensitivity to the Tongan culture in a time of political challenges and change. Upon his appointment, a continued struggle with the Ministry to prioritise Domestic Violence Unit was immediately addressed and key developments have transpired in this prominent social issue.

Other important successes recognised in the letter, related to the supportive involvement from Chris Kelley included;

• - Implementation of Peace building initiatives
• - Youth probationary program including counselling for convicted youth via the Salvation Army.
• - The establishment of the National Domestic Violence (DV) Committee.
• - The establishment of the Pacific Prevention Domestic Violence Program (PPDVP), funded by NZAID, with the placement of trained DV Police in all units in all districts in Tongatapu including the outer islands.
• - The establishment of a formal referral program in line with PPDVP between the DV Unit and NGO service providers, the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) and the Tonga National Centre for Women and Children (TNCWC).
• - Spearheaded the fight against drugs with the investigation and apprehension of Chiefs involved in drug abuse.
• - Instilled a sense of stability and safety around the 2010 election process.
• - Sensitivity in and avoiding the un-necessary handling of pro-democracy groups during the 2006 riots, taking an unbiased stance and responding to illegal action over perceived perceptions of political groups.
• - The dealing of public complaints in a transparent and impartial manner, stabilising a precarious and potentially volatile state post 2006 riots.

The CSO Sector representatives felt this is a transitional phase of change and time should be permitted for the Police Commissioner and Ministry to adapt to the changes. They suggested the institutional matters could effectively be addressed internally in line with a transparent, democratic process, taking learnings from our Pacific neighbours in the establishment, operation and internal policy of State Police services.

The group also felt that the Tonga Police Force, under Commissioner Chris Kelley's leadership, are now more responsive, more respected and trusted as a protection service knowing they are being lead into an era of egalitarian ideals, no longer dictated by social structure but merit, upon which all Ministries should strive towards.

Also noted was the grievances made by the police workers which the group understand are now being dealt with through the appropriate manner and framework within Government. It was stated that should a decision be imposed to remove Commissioner Chris Kelley from his post, the group holds concerns for the future of the Tongan Police Force and the negative impact on the community attitude towards the force and the relationship between the Civil Society sector and the Ministry, with the potential of years of positive change at risk of being neglected.

The CSO representatives called upon Government to carefully deal with the petition in light of the work that the Commissioner of Police has done and for a fair and transparent process of dealing with grievances aired by the police, which should ensure that the Commissioner of Police has the opportunity to respond to each grievance. The Tonga Police has made much progress in the last five years and the group believe it is due to the steadfast leadership of Commissioner Chris Kelley. Civil Societry Forum of Tonga, 29/03/11.