You have until December to act on this, P.M. tells Top Cop

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 16 September 2018, 12:00AM

Commissioner of Police, Fuiavai’ili’ili Egon Keil, has been given until December to remove police officers involved in extra marital affairs and defacto relationships within the Samoa Police Service.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi gave the directive during the graduation of 114 policemen and women at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi building.

Tuilaepa, who is also Minister of Police, said it is the duty of the police officer to enforce the law and keeping the peace in the country. 

“The uniform you are wearing comes with authority, which sometimes is abused and used in reckless ways and at times you forget that you are a public servant,” he said. 

The police officers were also reminded by the Prime Minister to be aware that Samoa is a Christian state and everyone should be treated equally. 

“Your judgement should be fair and based on the law. Also you’ll be tempted by your families to bend the law, but you should avoid that any way possible.

“Don’t let compassion be a factor in your decision making and always utilize wisdom and foresight, that’s where the Holy Spirit resides, especially when honesty is at the forefront of what you do,” he said 

He also noted the extra marital affairs within the Ministry of Police. 

“This happens everywhere, where a female officer gets pregnant by another officer, back then if you don’t get a girl pregnant in the Ministry of Police, you are not a real male police officer. An ego boost for the men in the Police force, which to this day is the source of many problems in the Ministry,” he added.

The Prime Minister reminded the ultimatum placed on married couples within the Ministry of Police, which went into force last year. 

“More than 30 police officers were removed as a result and this was specifically highlighted for the Ministry of Police, given your duties deals with wrongdoing in the country.” 

Tuilaepa, in a correspondent to the police commissioner last year, outlined how couples will be removed from the police force, including those in defacto relationships.

“However you did not remove those defacto relationships; they should be removed before the year ends.” 

The Prime Minister also urged police officers to live within their means.

“I am looking at your salaries, and if I see that after the deductions there is only $10 left in your check; yet you make close to $2,000 biweekly; that means this officer is receiving bribes on the job. It tells me that anyone can come to you asking to throw away criminal files, and that’s why the judges end up making the wrong decision, because the files cannot be located – at times cases cannot be prosecuted,” he added.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 16 September 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>