The Police Commissioner has accepted responsibility after multiple officers were implicated in alcohol-related incidents and suspended pending review.
Commissioner Geoff Turner said there is a “robust internal disciplinary process” and confirmed that two senior officers have been suspended while investigations proceed. He emphasised that on completion, reports will go to the Police Board for “an informed decision” and that those involved are “entitled to due process.”
The disciplinary steps follow recent media scrutiny of misconduct by police officers related to alcohol, now under internal review. Turner reaffirmed the force’s commitment to core values of “Faitotonu, Lao, Mateaki, Tauhi, Toka’i and Fonua”, and declared that “No one is above the law within Tonga Police.”
Turner also expressed regret saying “I am saddened by these events as are the members of the Tonga Police … we will always hold ourselves accountable.”
This statement arrives amid broader concerns over discipline and transparency within the police force. Local commentary had pressed the government to respond decisively. In his remarks, Turner reiterated that while some actions fell short of expectations, the police remain committed to “safe, secure and crime free Tonga.”
