The Tonga Police have reached another milestone with the handover of the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) course and the Intelligence Operation Model (IOM), as part of the ongoing Tonga New Zealand Police Program (TNZPP). The development activities were tailored in consultation with Tonga Police staff to strengthen the force’s operational capabilities.
The New Zealand High Commissioner, HE Matthew Howell attended the handover ceremony, expressing his pleasure in witnessing the progress. The NCO course, developed by New Zealand Police (NZP) Senior Adviser Sergeant Brendan Robertson, focuses on critical areas such as leadership, professional standards, core policing skills, crime scene management, custody and bail processes, coaching, mentoring, and operational planning. This comprehensive training aims to lift the standards of non-commissioned officers within the Tonga Police.
NZP Senior Intelligence Adviser Ryan Stirling introduced the Intelligence Operation Model (IOM), a framework designed to enhance the intelligence functions of the Tonga Police. The IOM is expected to play a crucial role in achieving an intelligence-led and enabled approach to policing, aligning with the Tonga Police’s broader vision.
Tonga’s Police Commissioner, Shane McLennan, who attended the ceremony as the guest of honor, praised the TNZPP advisors for their dedication and hard work. He emphasised that these courses are vital for the future of the Tonga Police, noting that “looking after Non-Commissioned Officers and putting intelligence at the forefront of policing is fundamental to day-to-day operations.”
