THE implementation of a newly structured Tonga Police was officially declared by the Minister of Police, Hon. Dr Viliami Latu on Monday, February 21, when he announced the appointment by the government of Police Commander Chris Kelley as Tonga's first Police Commissioner.

Dr Latu said that the introduction of the newly structured Tonga Police and the appointment of Chris Kelley had historical significance, since the inception of the Tonga Police Force in the 1860's.

"The separation of powers between the Commissioner and myself will provide for more constabulary independence. It would prove greater certainty, and transparency with the allocation of police powers," he said.

Under the Tonga Police Act 2010, the Tonga Police Force will become known as just the Tonga Police, and the Commissioner will have the command, supervision and control of the Tonga Police, and every member of the Tonga Police shall comply with the Commissioner's instructions, circulars and orders.

"Commissioner, the responsibility is now yours to carry out the organisation, governance, and the administration required implement the Act on behalf of the government," said the Minister of Police.

Police Commissioner Chris Kelley in his address said that the Police Act 2010 was required to better equip Tonga Police to confidently meet the challenges of policing in modern Tonga.

"It came out of public concerns, government unease and police dissatisfaction with the old act which lacked clarity in administration and operation, and it adversely impacted on the effectiveness of Tonga Police," he said. "The new act ensures police transparency and accountability to the people, by establishing guiding principles for how policing should be carried out.

"Most importantly, it provides rights, strengthens safeguards in the exercise of police powers, not only for suspected offenders but also for victims and witnesses and members of the public who have care and protection needs," he said.

Recruitment

With regards to the recruiting of police into the Tonga Police, a Police Employment Committee will be set up to appoint, promote and transfer members of the Tonga Police, and to determine the conditions of employment. Members of the Committee consist of the Commissioner, and two police officers appointed by the Minister of Police.

A Police Commissioner holds office for a period not exceeding three years, but he or she will be eligible for re-appointment for one further term only.

Police Commander Chris Kelley, a New Zealander, was contracted by the Tongan government on September 2008 for a period of three years, with the privilege for a renewal.

Following the destruction of the Nuku'alofa Central Business District by protestors in 2006, the government launched the Tonga Police Development Program in, 2007. A five-years Tripartite Partnership Agreement was signed by Australia, New Zealand and Tonga in July 2008, with an allocation of $4 million pa'anga to finance the program. Chris Kelley was appointed as the Commander of the Tonga Police Force on September 2008 to oversee the program.

The passing of the Tonga Police Act 2010, the restructuring of the police and the appointment of the new police commissioner were steps toward completing the Tonga Police Development Program.

The reforming of the Ministry of Police, allows the other two portfolios of the Minister of Police, the Prison and the Fire Services to have a similar administration structure as the police, with the Superintendent of the Prisons, Sione Falemanu, responsible for the administration of all prisons in Tonga, and the Chief Fire Officer, Lofia Heimuli responsible for all Fire Services in the country.