The Ministry of Police, Prisons and Correctional Service has ended this year on a high note with a Thanksgiving service held at the EFKS Hall on Wednesday morning. 

The service is an annual event in the Ministry's calendar before they kick-off start with their busy schedule every festive season. 

It was an also opportunity for the Ministry to reward outstanding staff for a variety of achievements; more than 30 police badges were also issued to senior sergeants. 

The event was well attended also attended by the Minister of Police, Prisons and Correctional Services, Faualo Harry Schuster, and Associate Minister, Fepuleai Faimata Su'a and members of the force in Samoa. 

Rev. Fa’apea Asomua Elia conducted the opening service reflecting on God’s goodness over the ministry. In his sermon, Rev. Fa’apea reinforced the word of God by assuring the members that “each and every officer and member plays a vital role in policing."

Faualo addressed the gathering and commended the hard work and dedication of the men and women in blue working tirelessly day and night for the safety of the community.

He also noted and listed some of the achievements and highlights of the ministry this year, despite the many challenges they faced in the last 12 months. 

Some of the big changes and challenges faced by the ministry according to Faualo included the enforcement of the State of Emergency response to the COVID-19, the return of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division back to the Land Transport Authority on the July 1, and dialogues on Prisons and Corrections Services’ separation.

In terms of achievements, it includes two Police Recruit Classes that had graduated this year, leading the 60th Independence celebration, appointing a new Police Commissioner, successfully hosting the Atoa o Samoa talks, members of the Samoa Police, Prisons and Correction Services achieving tertiary degrees in various areas as well as regional awards and the establishment of the Police Academy. 

Other achievements included the official Launching of our Ministry Strategic Plan FY 2022/23 – FY 2025/2026. 

In addition to the issuance of police badges, the Executive also presented special awards for its members. This comprises of; Special Recognition Award for Ms Rosita Galuvao for her utmost commitment and dedication to Samoa Police, Prisons and Correction Services for the past 27 years. Corrections Officer of the Year-  Correction Officer Irene Mauinatu (Medical), Support Staff Member of the Year- Peniamina Malagamaali'i (Finance), Overall investigator of the Year- Constable Henry (Faleata Outpost)], Commissioned Officer of the Year- Inspector Albert Matautia (General Policing Unit), Leadership Award- Inspector Fa'amatala Ese Va'alele (Traffic Enforcement Unit), Courage and Bravery Award- Corporal Poasa Siale & Constable Fereti Malaki, Committee's Choice Award- Timothy Perefoti Komiti (ICT), Unit/Station/Post of the Year- Traffic Enforcement Unit