M.P., ex-cop calls for better pay

A lawyer and a former Police Commissioner, Papali’i Li’o Masipau, has warned the government “to pay Police overtime” or face the risk of paying millions in compensation claims.

The M.P. for Fa’asaleleaga No. 2 made the point during a press conference called by the Tautua Samoa Party on Wednesday.

“There are reasons for problems in the execution of the duties of police officers,” Papali’i said.

“This is the only office that doesn’t get paid overtime – the Ministry of Police.”

The Member of Parliament blamed “overworked” and “tired police officers” for many of the problems that have been highlighted in the media in the performance of police work. This is also why they don’t always conduct their work ethically, Papali’i said.

“They are so tired because they are there twenty four hours.”

Papali’i claims paying overtime would solve mounting problems arising from allegations of poor Police performance

This was highlighted by the recent case thrown out of court involving the death of a mental health patient held at prison. Charges against a prisoner accused of his death were dismissed when the judge overturned the assessor’s verdict.

The family of the patient, Mr. Hans Dalton, is suing Police in relation to his death, reportedly for $30 million.

The Tautua Party members are concerned that if the family’s case is successful, the government could lose a lot of money.

This incident could have been avoided however, said Papali’i, if government would pay Police overtime and not expect officers to work 24 hours.

He concluded that the death of Mr. Dalton occurred because “the police were too tired from overworking and without overtime pay.” Papali’i said this has been long-term problem within the Ministry of Police.

“When I was in the Ministry, I didn’t get overtime,” he sai.

Despite this, he stressed that he still carried out his duties ethically and honestly. He pointed out that it is one thing to take an oath to conduct your duties honestly and quite another when an officer is paid peanuts.

“This is why I am pleading to the government.”

Papali’i urged the government to look deeper into the matter. “When they do, they would realise that this is what’s causing these problems – overworked police officers are not getting paid overtime for their efforts.

“The government should consider that their qualifications are good now but the rewards are not - they are not getting paid enough.

“How can they gain strength to conduct their work if they are doing it while tired and when they are not being paid for it?”

The lawyer is also urging the government to consider Police officers’ working hours.

“If they work for eight hours, they must get some rest but if they aren’t getting this but are working beyond eight hours, then pay their overtime.”

Papali’i suggested that if some of the millions “misspent by government” were allocated to pay Police overtime, it would be money well spent.

“I believe this will also improve Police services.” He said this is an important lesson to learn to prevent from cases such as Mr. Dalton. “This is this family’s right to take it to court in search of justice, but beyond that the country will be hugely affected as well as the government’s finances.”

Opposition party leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II, supported his party’s M.P. He said it is the government’s responsibility to pay its workers and ensure they are adequately compensated for work.

Attempts to get a comment from Acting Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, yesterday were unsuccessful. Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, was also not immediately available for a comment.