08th March 2016 As part of the International Women’s Day celebration, the Tonga Police Women opened its door to the youth of Tonga for its first “Police Open Day’. The event was held today at the Police College Compound at Longolongo.
This initiative is a way forward to promote greater understanding of the work of various departments and specialist roles within Tonga Police, as well into the professional life of the women of high caliber and experiences that have served and still serving in the Tonga Police.
Mrs Lau’aitu Tupouniua-Sherman, Chairperson of the Tonga Police Women Advisory Network said the “Tonga Police recognizes the importance of connecting with the youth of Tonga to earn the trust and confidence in our service, to advocate equal employment opportunity, supporting quality policing and working together to ensure elimination of fear crime.”
She stressed that community engagements are very important in order for the Tonga Police to ensure a safe and nonviolent society.
“Policing yesterday is not the same as today, nor will it be tomorrow. Police used to almost dictate what policing is, what the community needed and how it should be delivered. Today, community engagements are critical, therefore police must possess the quality expected by the community, and working in partnership must be continually exercised to establish favorable conditions for a safer and peaceful community.”
The target audiences are specifically seven formers and tertiary students but it was opened to the public.
The Tonga Police had positive response from school principals as well as support from UNWomen.
There were displays from various departments within the police including shows from the Dog Section, viewing Search and Rescue Boat, experiencing use of radar machine and breathalyzers as well as an opportunity to take part in Crime Scene Investigation activities with the Forensic Investigation Team, Cyber Safety Program and many more.
This Open Day gives the members of the public a chance to discover the roles and functions of the Tonga Police.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications