TONGA'S Police Commissioner Chris Kelley was one of the first six members of the Tonga Police who received their new Tonga Police Identification cards and badges from the Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Hon. Richard Marles on Friday, March 11.

The identification badges and ID cards inside a black wallet are expected to be carried by police officers at all times for identification purposes when on duty.

The identification badges funded at a cost of $36,000 pa'anga together with new equipment to produce ID cards is provided through an Australian Federal Police support program under the Tonga Police Development Program (TPDP).

About 500 black wallets and steel Tonga police badges have been supplied from Australia but the identification cards for the remaining 400 plus members of the police would be produced later by the Tonga Police using the new cameras and a printer.

Hon Richard Marles said the new identification badges are very important, as it is part of professionalising and modernising the Tonga Police.

Tri-partite program

Police Commissioner Chris Kelley in his address thanked the Hon Richard Marles for the assistance provided to the Tonga Police by the Government of Australia.

TPDP a tri-partite program between Tonga, Australia and New Zealand has been running for two and a half years and has financed the construction of new buildings, 23 new vehicles, a new Radio Communication System and other technical support.

"We have reached the point where we need to review the progress so far and set goals for the future. I am sure this partnership will continue."