2 December 2022 Apia Samoa. Source: SPPCS Media Team. Sixty-five men and women have now been inducted as sworn officers of the Samoa Police Prisons and Correction Services.
“It is a new dawn for the 65 men and women, as they have now embarked on a journey that will see them rise to enforce laws and become protectors of the nation,” reads a statement from the Ministry.
Hundreds of people, friends and family gathered in a ceremony held at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi (TATTE) Building to witness the graduation of the new recruits.
“These young men and women have now become Samoa Police and Correction Officers after seventeen weeks of vigorous training and assessments. The recruiting class of 2022 originally totaled seventy however, five withdrew from the process..”
Rev. Dr Siaosi Sasulu led the graduation service. During his sermon, he emphasised the theme “amoina o le fale fētāfa’i”.
Rev Salesulu spoke to the graduates about the significance of their calling, and the importance of being honest. He reminded them to honour their parents, families, and villages.
The faifeau concluded his sermon with words of encouragement, reminding the new recruits, “that in times of trials and tribulations of the job, always remember that God is carrying your load with you”.
Prime Minister Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa delivered the keynote address, and she too reminded the graduates that they have become “Malu o le Malo” meaning refuge, “you are the people’s refuge..”
Commissioner of Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo added to the day’s remarks and thanked the Ministry’s partners and various government stakeholders and NGOs for making the time to assist SPPCS with its vigorous training and recruitment process.
The Commissioner acknowledged the families and community for the support given as their sons and daughters underwent training to become fully pledged officers for Samoa’s Police, Prisons and Correction Services. The Commissioner parted with heartfelt congratulations to the Recruit Class of 2022.
The Recruit Class comprised 43 Police Officers and 22 Correction Officers. Of the 65, there were 28 female and 37 male recruits.
Today’s graduation ceremony follows the official swearing-in last week before Senior District Court Judge Talasa Atoa-Saaga.
The ceremony saw four recruit members walk home with SPPCS special prizes;
Student Choice: Correction Officer Kuresa Fa’aeteete.
Most Disciplined: Constable Elina Tapu.
Best All-Rounder: Principal Correction Officer Aviata Foleni.
Outstanding Academic Achievement: Correction Officer Fetusia’i Fa’avae.
The Recruitment Class concluded the ceremony with an electrifying siva tau performance and the taualuga finalé of a Samoan traditional dance.
(9)
