A total of 22 police officers resigned from the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections in the last three months to work and live abroad as well as for other family commitments. 

Although there were close to 50 new police recruits that graduated this week and ready to go out in the field, there is still a dire need for more police officers. 

The majority of the second class of new recruits in 2023 are women. There were 31 women and 17 men.  

Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo noted in the basic recruit court report the total number of officers is 971 which still falls short of the numbers it needs to serve the public. 

The Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections are targeting to have a force of more than 1000 police officers by next year when the nation hosts the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). 

Auapaau said from records from August to December this year a total of 22 police officers have resigned due to seasonal work and others were successful in the New Zealand quota. 

He added those that resigned also include officers that found other job opportunities and left due to family obligations and commitment. 

Because of these competing opportunities it has been challenging for the Ministry of Police to retain their officers. 

The Police Commissioner said the police force still needs more recruits to assist in serving the country and enforcing the law. 

The first class of new police recruits in July 2023 had 44 police officers joining the police force. 

Of those  33 were women and 11 men confirming that more women were now willing to join the police force.