Roselynn Tuuaga is top new female cop

By Adel Fruean 12 September 2018, 12:00AM

A newly recruited female police officer has taken out top honours after a grueling 20-week training programme in order to become a police woman.

Constable Roselynn Tuuaga, 25, of Gagaifo Lefaga was yesterday named the dux of the 2018 Recruit Class after she topped her group in overall marks and was presented with an award by the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.

She credited her success to God and the support of her family, who stood by her as she went through a rigorous training regime, which comprises training modules focusing on policing, human rights, ethics, UN conventions, public relations, crime scene protocols and evidence collection.

Her mother, Malelega Tuuga, was full of pride and joy with her daughter’s accomplishment.

The other graduates who were given special awards included constable Benjamin Mulitalo (student choice award), constable Atonio Tufuga (most discipline award) and constable Ionita Tusi Alafau (best all-rounder award). 

Police Commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil, said that the recruitment process was thorough and the applicants’ personal and work record, criminal history if any, medical history, character references, communication skills, and literacy and computer skills were checked before they were accepted. 

“In an effort to increase professionalism, Samoa Police has pushed for high standards by focusing recruiting efforts on candidates with university-level education and those with high ethical standards.”

“To the new police officers, do not forget the oath of office that you voluntarily took. Do not take it lightly – they are not just words – they mean something. Use the police powers entrusted to you by the people of Samoa to help the weak and instill pride in our culture.”

“Do not play favourites. Do not look for personal gain but be brave, honest, gracious, and be a great public servant,” he said. 

A total of 114 policemen and women passed out yesterday with 60 per cent of the new recruits from Savai’i. The eldest of the class is 45 years old and the youngest 21.

Fuiavailili said out of the 114 new policemen and women, six dropped out along the way. Eight of the new graduates have diplomas from either the National University of Samoa or the University of South Pacific and 36 hold certificates from the National University of Samoa. 

By Adel Fruean 12 September 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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