Ex-cop’s behaviour on ferry raises eyebrows

29 October 2017, 12:00AM

A member of the public has released a video of a man who appears to be a Police officer in civilian clothes making a nuisance of himself on the ferry to Savai’i.

The video posted by Raymond N Nafanua Tonumaipe'a on Facebook shows the man’s Police ID on the side of his cargo shorts while he marches up and down the ferry with a beer bottle on hand.

It is illegal to drink alcohol on any form of public transportation.

“This is the only police officer who can drink a beer and get drunk on the ferry in a public place,” the post reads.

“Was sitting on the ferry going to Savaii minding my own business, when I overheard a male voice behind me introducing himself to a palagi couple.

“‘I am a police officer,’ said.  “He showed them his ID and then told them if they need anything he is there.”

The post claimed he was badly intoxicated.

“The couple looked annoyed, probably because they could smell alcohol off him and because he was standing far too close to them. #uncomfortablemuch lol

“Walked back and forth of the ferry like a bad ass gangster, holding his beer bottle..a bit intimidating.

“Meanwhile ile aufaigaluega ale va’a, nowhere to be seen. Samoa Observer where art thou?”

The Police immediately released a statement on its social media page in response to the concerns.

“Due to the concerns by members of the public in regards to an incident on the boat to Savai’i over the weekend, SPS would like to clarify that the said person is no longer a member of the Samoa Police Service since 2016,” the statement said.

“Mr Kalama Lealamanua was terminated in 2016. Regrettably it seems that he has not return all of SPS properties. 

“We wish to advise the public that impersonating a police officer is an offence. Drinking or being intoxicated in any public place is also an offence. 

“We consider this matter to be very serious and SPS will pursue to lay charges against this individual.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the vigilant actions of some members of the public who posted this particular individual on Facebook.”

29 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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