The country's highest ranked female in the Samoa Police Service is the first Pacific officer to win a prestigious award in Australia and she hopes it encourages more women to join the male-dominated profession. 

The Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai–Keti made history on Wednesday evening when she became the first Pacific member of the Australasian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP) to win the Audrey Memorial Award.  

Papalii was amongst four Pacific law enforcement members of ACWAP who scooped a remarkable four awards of excellence at the event held in Sydney, Australia. 

According to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Police and Prisons, the Audrey Fagan Memorial Award – which was awarded to and received by Papalii – recognises outstanding women who have shown exceptional qualities as a mentor, role model and leader of men and women in policing and law enforcement. 

The winner is chosen by a selection panel from all the nominees across all award categories and Papalii was commended for her commitment and “outstanding determination, resilience and leadership to break through barriers for women in the Samoa Police Service”.

She is recognised for being an exceptional voice for all women in the Pacific and an admirable example of what women do and achieve in the workforce. 

In response to queries from the Samoa Observer, Papalii said she was honoured and felt humbled for being recognised with a prestigious award. 

“I've always wanted to do the best that I can to improve the work of Samoa Police and the standard of our service to our people,” she said. 

“I do this work to serve. To be recognised is therefore an added bonus.”

Papalii added she hopes her recognition “encourages more women into policing whether in Samoa, Pacific and anywhere”.

“Importantly, young women feel empowered to choose this job as a career,” she said. “The journey is never easy, but together we can go far. 

“Whilst the award is given to me, I feel that it's for all the men and women of the Samoa Police Service and those who believe in our potentials and are behind the scenes to support individuals like me.”

Asked what advice she would give girls and women who could see the police force as a career path, Papalii said law enforcement is a very exciting career. 

“My life motto is have the hindsight to know where you've been, the foresight to know where you're going and the insight to know when you are going too far,” she said. “As women trust in your instinct and know that we cannot do it alone. 

“Have a strong support system to be there for you and never be complacent.” 

The 23rd Australasian Council of Women in Policing Awards saw over 500 people from law enforcement agencies and all walks of life joined together to celebrate the achievements from Pacific women in the police force.