Tonga Police have launched a new two-week Basic Investigations Course to strengthen crime-fighting capabilities.
Commissioner of Police Geoff Turner officially opened the course yesterday morning at the Tonga Police College in Nuku’alofa. The program, supported by the Tonga–New Zealand Policing Programme, aims to equip officers with foundational investigative skills.
Twenty-three Tonga Police officers and two members of His Majesty’s Armed Forces are participating. Commissioner Turner emphasised the importance of the training, stating, “The course would be challenging but essential to building a strong, structured, and efficient investigations team.”
He introduced the “ABC” principle -Assume nothing, Believe no one, and Check everything— as a core investigative approach. Turner urged participants to uphold high professional standards, lead by example, and remain accountable to the community.
The initiative comes amid a reported rise in crime across Tonga, including housebreaking, theft, and drug-related offences. In 2023, Tonga Police warned the public of a crime spike, attributing it largely to the country’s drug crisis.
The Basic Investigations Course is part of broader efforts to enhance law enforcement capabilities in Tonga. The New Zealand High Commission in Nuku’alofa has highlighted ongoing support for police training programs, including advanced courses for detectives.
Commissioner Turner concluded by reminding officers of the Tonga Police’s core values: Faitotonu (Integrity), Lao (Law), Mateaki (Dedication), Tauhi (Service), Toka’i (Respect), and Fonua (Community). He stressed that all actions must reflect these principles.
