TONGA'S new Police Commissioner Chris Kelley said in a statement today that he had not seen a petition regarding police reforms that was presented to Cabinet on Friday March 11; and he believed that change to merit-based promotion and other changes to a new Police Act, "may be at the 'heart' of these perceived grievances".

"The merits of any 'petition' are not for me to judge but I would like the opportunity to answer any allegations and respond on behalf of our service to provide balance to any grievance issues."

Commissioner Kelley stated that he had asked to have a copy of the original document.

"I am confident that the changes we have put in place are responsible, appropriate and in line with modernization of a police service."

The commissioner came to Tonga in September 2008, as commander of the Tonga Police.

"My brief from the Tonga Government was to initiate reform in the Tonga Police with the help of the three tripartite government partners of Tonga, Australia and New Zealand. Those reforms have included an emphasis on transparency, accountability, re-development and institutional strengthening. Development and institutional strengthening has involved change.

"Change may be at the 'heart' of these perceived grievances, change to merit based promotion, change to a new Police Act and change in the way in which we manage disciplinary proceedings.

Commissioner Kelley said an example was that the police had changed from seniority being the most important attribute in promotion decisions to ensuring people are promoted on merit based criteria that is a person's current skill level, their demonstrated experience and stated potential to fill the position. Seniority is still a factor but only when all the other factors are even.

He said that the new Police Act had been publicized and was widely consulted before its implementation in February this year.

"An important part of the new act is the 'Constabulary Independence' of the new Commissioner position. That is the separation of powers between the Minister and Commissioner. Traditionally, the minister has been involved in a wide area of police functions. The new act frees him from the administration and staffing responsibilities now devolved to the commissioner."

He stated that the Commissioner however, now has less personal authority under the new act and there are checks and balances are in place. Decisions are now the domain of a Police Employment Committee and for more serious matters, a Police Board.

"The traditional pathway to the minister is no longer sanctioned under the act."

Disciplinary proceedings within the police have also changed in line with a more open and transparent process. In the past officers were dealt with in-house, no public access and little or no accountability outside the 'tribunal setting'. Changes now reflect the public interest, accountability to government and no protection from public scrutiny," he said in his statement.