The Ministry of Police Prisons and Corrections Services convened a graduation ceremony for their new recruits on Thursday with 35 successfully completing their 17-weeks training to graduate.

The graduation ceremony was held at the TATTE building on Thursday afternoon with the police recruit graduating class of 2022 comprising eight females and 27 males. A total of 32 officers were from Upolu with three from Savai'i.

The Acting Police Commissioner, Papali’i Monalisa Tiai-Keti presented awards to the new police recruits after giving a congratulatory speech to the new police recruits.

Constable Maureeana Sooialo, who received the Best All Rounder Award during the graduation ceremony, said she was grateful for the opportunity to undertake and complete the 17-week training.

"I am very grateful and thankful to my heavenly Father and family for supporting me and for everything they've done for me through out this seventeen weeks," she said.

"I feel over the moon and beyond for this achievement, and I want to encourage all the women out there that if I can do it, you can do it too."

The Police Constable added the training was competitive and required a lot of determination to overcome all the trials and obstacles that she faced during the training.

After the Ministry advertised for applicants earlier this year, 215 were shortlisted to go through to the selection process for the 17 weeks residential classes. 

After the completion of the selection process, only 43 successfully made it into the recruitment class for 2022 with eight females and 35 males. 

Through out the 17 weeks of training up until the graduation ceremony 35 graduates remained, which saw eight officers who were removed during the training program. The graduates have passed the requirements of the Samoa police basic recruit course which is recognised by the Samoa Qualification Authority.

During the training program, the majority of the recruits were employed in various Government ministries and organisations. Some of them were school leavers as well as those who were unemployed. 

The oldest of the class of 2022 was a 52-years-old who showed that through passion and commitment anyone is able to achieve their dreams.

Since 2004 the Samoa police have raised the standards of police recruits and officially celebrated the successful establishment of the basic recruit course as accredited by SQA.