Close to sixty new recruits in the Samoan police force were sworn in on Tuesday morning by the Chief Justice, His Honour Satiu Simativa Perese. 

The 57 young women and men took their oath inside the Courtroom where they were reminded that as police officers their purpose is to serve the law. 

 Chief Justice Perese told the new recruits to tell the truth when they are tested and under examination in the Courts. 

“In your work you will inevitably come to the Court to present evidence in a case,” he said. “Giving evidence is not an easy task, things can often seem a bit jumbled up in your mind. 

“You will be cross examined and your integrity tested. 

“The only advice I can give you is to tell the truth, because no matter how jumbled your mind becomes, it will always centre itself back on the truth.”

Chief Justice Perese, who has a personal connection with the Police through his father and uncle, told the new recruits that their line of work is to uphold the rule of law and remain independent. 

His father was a police officer and his uncle, Samau Timani Samau was a former Police Commissioner in the early 1990s. 

At the ceremony the Chief Justice also acknowledged the Police Commissioner, Fuiavailiili Egon Keil and his management for their work in observing the rule of law.  

He thanked the recruits for taking on their career in the police force one that has an “important responsibility” he said. 

Chief Justice Perese said “it is the rule of law which protects us from the anarchy of lawlessness”. 

“Your work will at times also not be easy when you have to confront and defuse violent situations, just remember that the alleged offender is a human being as you are,” he said. 

“Never forget your purpose – to serve the law.

“In the past few months, the Samoan Police has shown itself to be a pillar of our community in its independent administration of the rule of law. 

“I want to offer my sincere thanks for the excellent work of the Commissioner and his senior management team. 

“You have all distinguished yourselves in your service, and we are grateful for this observance of the rule of law. It is the rule of law which protects us from the anarchy of lawlessness.”