I am aware of the 'petition document' which was presented to Cabinet last Friday 1⅓/11. I have not seen a photo-copy of the original document. I have asked to have a copy of the original document.

What I can say is that when I came to Tonga in September 2008 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.

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

To give you some examples:

We have 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.

The new Police Act has 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.

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.

If a police officer commits a criminal offence he is liable to the same laws and processes as any other member of the community. If he commits a breach of discipline his case is examined by a Police Employment Committee or Police Board and he has rights of judicial review.

That has to be very open, reviewable and accountable process.

I am very confident I can answer all of the issues that may be raised, provide justification for our executive decisions to date although I must stress that I have yet to receive a copy of the original petition as presented to Parliament.

Tonga Police has a proud tradition and I have been privileged to be part of this organization for the last 2.5 years.

We have come a long way in terms of re-development, we have demonstrated our capabilities, operationally in relation to major incidents and cases, we have been leaders in the change process with new laws and most of all, gained back public confidence.

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.

I have every confidence in the Tonga Police and the public should be reassured that we will co-operate fully with any inquiry.

Chris Kelley,
Commissioner of Police
Tonga.