Hundreds of families and friends gathered at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi (T.A.T.T.E.) Convention Centre on Friday to witness the graduation of new police and correction officers.

A total of 65 new recruits had completed 17 weeks of training run by the Ministry of Police Prisons and Corrections Services with the formal graduation on Friday, following their swearing-in before a Senior District Court Judge early in the week.

The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Associate Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the Australian Federal Police and families and friends and wellwishers of the graduates. 

This is the second batch of new recruits to be welcomed by Samoa's Police Service and Corrections and Prison Services this year.

The 65 new recruits were sworn-in on Monday morning to increase the total number of police officers with the Ministry to 927, according to the Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo. 

Delivering the report on the second patch of new recruits this year, Auapaau told the gathering that the Ministry received a total of 289 applicants for the course.

However, only 70 people met the mandatory requirements to undertake the course and at its conclusion following 17-weeks of training, only 65 graduated while five withdrew from the course. 

Auapaau added that the total number of officers needed to be employed by the Ministry should at least be 1,027.

However, currently only 864 people are serving the country under Ministry including correction officers at Tanumalala prison, Vaiata'a prison and Olomanu prison facility as well as surveillance who were not sworn-in. 

Auapaau said amongst the graduates were constables with bachelor and diploma degrees from the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) and the Australia-Pacific Training Coalition.

He also noted that the standard of the basic recruitment course is in line with the standard for all policing courses within the region since its inception in 2007. 

Auapaau then used the opportunity to acknowledge the continuing support of their partners, the Government of Samoa, the private sector as well as members of the community who have assisted them in carrying out the course.

Prime Minister Fiame, who delivered the keynote address on Friday, reminded the new recruits to honor their calling and highlighted their responsibility for the safety and security of the people of Samoa.

"You are the protectors of your families, villages and especially the people of Samoa," Fiame said.

"You are to be diligent and graceful in how you carry yourselves as your actions should reflect the oaths you are about to take in the presence of all who are gathered here today. 

"The community expects your utmost excellence service and to portray the core values of the ministry in all that you do."

She then used the opportunity to remind the recruits of their duties using the  "I CARE" acronym: "I for integrity, C for courage, A for accountability R for respect and E for equality."

According to Fiame, these should be "daily guidelines" for all police officers in upholding the law and to ensure the safety of the community.

She then congratulated the new recruits and expressed her gratitude to their families and friends for their support during the 17 weeks of training and commended hardwork and effort of the Police Commissioner, the management and staff in implementing and carrying out this course. 

The new recruits were sworn-in on Monday morning with 16 out of the 65 becoming correction officers with six already on site at the Tanumalala Prison. Their addition to the correction officers numbers make up a total of 22 to graduate from the 2022 recruitment class.

For the Police a total of 41 new recruits were sworn in with two already employed with the Police Maritime Wing to total  43 police officers to graduate in this year’s recruitment class. In terms of the new recruits' gender, 28 are females and 37 are males.

The Student Choice Award was given to Constable Kuresa Faaeteete while the Most Disciplined Award was awarded to Constable Elina Tapu. Constable Aviata Foleni won the Best All Rounder Award while Constable Fetausiai Fa'avae was named the Outstanding Academic Achievement winner for this year's 2022 Recruits. 

The new recruits are: Clinton Keil, Marcu Sio, Samaono Aiono, Lawrence Mele, Sharnie Fa'ausu, Joel Memea, Pulemau Utai, Fatu Fiso, Christian Dean, Jordan Niulevaea, Lolatsi Letoa, Kolotita Masui, Apaula Unasa, Violet Petersen, Taulafo Aliivaa, Christina Sale, Seleaelaine Ta'avao, Anne Helen Liuaana, Grace Fa'atoatoa, Ruta Faagala, Faustina Malo, Kuresa Faaeteete, Leti Le Mamea, Lafaele Peniata, Miracle Malaefono, Peter Ah Sam, Brian Kevin Lea, Chanel Latulipe, Revereni Pate, Fagasolo Taeaoalii, Ilai Koon Wai You, Pio Va'aga Atonia Asiata, Emelio Ese Va'alele, Cebuano Kofe, Elina Tapu, Peni Tiapue, Soteria Sola, Metita Aiono, Pasa Siuele Tauemu, Luisa Molinuu, Brittania Enosa, Aunese Joe Ifi, Iosefo Suataai, Saofai Tiatia, Joseph Nofoagatotoa, Fetuasiai Faavae, Paaifoileviiga Tafao, Suluvale Aleki, Xavier Tapusoa, Mua Avefua, Tavita Afasene, Poutoa Malo, Aviata Foleni, Ofaira Keli Lui, Iosua Taisi, Pauline Atiae, Makarita Atonio, Maeroanoel Tupuse,Vasana Mauga, Malaesaili Lesa, Esperanza Tuataia, Katerina Falute and Siniva Lalofie.