The Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services welcomed new 28 corrections officers during a special ceremony at the Police Academy at Tafaigata on Saturday.

The service was followed by the traditional ava ceremony to honour Samoa customs symbolising respect, unity, and commitment to duties.

This special prayer service was attended by Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo and executive members who emphasised the values of integrity, discipline, and dedication to upholding the law. 

Auapa'au in his remarks reminded the recruits of the vital roles they will play in maintaining security and supporting rehabilitation within Samoa's corrections system.

He congratulated the recruits as they embarked on their journey of serving and responsibilities.

Auapa'au highlighted that the role of being a corrections officer comes with challenges which will strengthen their responsibilities to make sure they work with integrity and honesty.

It was just last week that SPPCS suspended five corrections officers while investigations are continuing into how Samoa's notorious prisoner Lauititi Tualima escaped the Tanumalala Prison in late January this year.

The additional new recruits will now assist other more than 100 corrections officers at Tanumalala Prison to maintain security all the time.