Most of the 15 newly sworn-in corrections officers with the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (S.P.P.C.S.) are women.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the courthouse in Mulinuu on Monday, where nine females and six males were sworn in by District Court Judge Loau Donald Kerslake. The corrections officers will serve at the Tanumalala prison.

This group of correction officers is the first to be sworn in at the District Court and it is also the first time Prisons and Corrections Services recruits have conducted their training and assessments separately from the Samoa Police recruits.

Deputy Commissioner for Prisons and Corrections Services, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga, with his senior management, were among those who were present to witness the start of these men's and women’s careers to become corrections officers.

Judge Loau re-emphasised the vital role in Samoa's law and justice sector of being a corrections officer 

"Firstly, they are to protect and ensure the safety and well management of inmates under their care within Tanumalala, Olomanu, and Vaiaata and secondly, they are to protect and ensure the safety of the community from them (inmates)," he said.

“You have pledged to serve with honesty, honour, and just accordingly to the laws”. You have pledged to do right in serving the Ministry”.

He further reminded the new recruits of their oath and emphasised that it's a must to understand its significance, as this is their journey as corrections officers and to find strength in each other. 

“Support each other in the work that you do- work as a team, respect your leaders and the authority. Always be fair, consistent, and critical," he said. 

The District Court Judge then congratulated the recruits and wished them well in their careers.

Families and friends of the recruits watched on as their loved ones took their oath to become correction officers.

The newly sworn-in recruits will have their proper graduation ceremony on 17 May 2023 held at the Samoa Culture and Arts Center at Malifa, Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC).