The Ministry of Police is planning to carry out random drug testing for its officers, but for it to happen, policies need to be in place to determine the course of action if someone tests positive, said Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga.

He said not all police officers have undergone testing. “The executive level has completed the testing, including myself,” he said. “I don’t know the final results altogether. At this time, there is a policy we are looking at.”

Leiataua explained that the testing process was started by the former Police Commissioner. However, he noted that there is currently no law or regulation requiring officers to be tested, and no formal policy exists for consequences, whether results are positive or negative.

He said not everyone in the ministry has completed the testing due to several reasons. First, a clear law or policy should be in place. Second, there is the matter of payment for those who conduct the tests.

 “But the reason it was held off was because the policy was incomplete,” he said, “as I mentioned, there were issues with the laws and the cost to carry it out — it is $50 for one test.”

Leiataua added that they are working on finalising the policy, following the former commissioner’s instructions, to set clear rules for testing. The goal is to ensure that officers act honestly and carry out their duties properly according to the law. He confirmed that the policy started during the time of the former Police Commissioner's time, and it was designed for random drug testing for both new and current officers.

He said it has been three to four months since he did his test, and the results do not use officers’ names but are identified by codes.

Leiataua believes the policy will be stronger if it becomes a regulation or is included in a Police Act. He explained that a drafted policy would have clear goals, including retesting officers a month after a positive or negative result, with possible termination. He added that passing a law to authorize testing would be simpler, as existing regulations, including the Police Service Act 2005, already guide officer conduct and consequences.