A team of Close Personal Protection (CPP) instructors from the Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services recently conducted a training program in Tonga. Led by Senior Sergeant Junior Afereti, Corporal Fereti Sefo, Corporal Tyrone Mamaia, and Senior Constable Visesio Peni, the training aimed to enhance the skills of 12 Tongan Police officers in safeguarding foreign dignitaries and VIP guests.
The training took place from January 29th to February 9th, 2024, at the Tongan Police College in Longolongo. Funded by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and facilitated by the Tonga-Australia Policing Partnership (TAPP), the program received support from AFP Officer Michael Ronan, who provided assistance and oversight throughout the training duration.
Upon their safe return on February 11th, the Samoa Police officers were welcomed back by Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo and Deputy Commissioner Papali’i Monalisa Tiai-Keti. During the reception, the returning officers shared their insights and feedback from the CPP training conducted in Tonga.
The training focused on honing the capabilities of Tongan Police officers in protection and security protocols, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities associated with safeguarding foreign dignitaries and VIP guests.
Commissioner Filipo expressed his gratitude to the officers for their dedication and commitment to enhancing regional security cooperation. He emphasised the importance of such training programs in fostering partnerships and building capacity within the Pacific law enforcement community.
Deputy Commissioner Tiai-Keti commended the officers for their professionalism and praised the collaborative efforts between Samoa and Tonga in promoting security and stability in the region. She highlighted the significance of continuous learning and skills development in meeting the evolving challenges of modern law enforcement.