The Aleipata district Police outpost in Lalomanu hosted a community day last Saturday for children of the south coast of Upolu, giving them a treat with food as well as games and entertainment. 

Reverend Tua of the Congregational Christian Church Samoa Lalomanu said the Police outpost hosting of the children for the day coincided with the ending of school celebrations and preparations for the festive season.

He said that it was a great end of year initiative for the community with the children at the centre of the programme as the community counted down to Christmas.

"The kids were hosted to jumping castles, food, treats, swim in the sea, fun games and entertainment," he said.

Lalomanu resident, Farani Peniana said the celebration was a success story for the Police outpost, which also won the best office award for Upolu.

"I was told by one of the policemen that their outpost won a prize for being the best office in Upolu," he said.

Another resident, who only identified herself as Josephine, told this newspaper that the Police outpost was proactive and effective during the pandemic this year.

"They were really strict at maintaining social distances and ensuring people stayed home and shops locked up during State of Emergency (S.O.E.) orders," she said.

The resident also said that despite the station having only one vehicle, their frequent engagement with the community, which included the policing of the Toa Samoa parades confirmed their presence on the south coast.

A beach fale operator, who spoke to Samoa Observer on the condition of anonymity, said that the Police outpost was well supported by the village residents. 

Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo was among the high ranking officers who traveled to Lalomanu for the community day last Saturday.