Police report delayed again

Members of the public are unlikely to read the findings of a Commission of Inquiry into allegations of corruption at the Ministry of Police and Prisons for another two months.

This follows confirmation from the Minister of Police and Prisons, Sala Fata Pinati, that contrary to a Cabinet release saying the report would be released in four weeks time, a further four weeks has been added.

According to the Minister, the delay is due to the investigation not being completed. He did not elaborate on what is being further investigated.

Told that a media statement issued by the Office of the Press Secretariat on behalf of Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, last week, promised that the report would be made public in four weeks time, the Minister agreed.

“That was the expected time but depending on what’s behind it, it’ll take longer, probably in another two months,” he said.

Asked what he meant by “what is behind it,” Sala explained that the “report would have to be reviewed again until further actions are taken”.

What these actions are, he did not say. “Investigations are still pending. It’s not through yet but once it’s done, it will be passed on to media and the public,” said Sala.

Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo, and Assistant Police Commissioner, Sala Seaga Uili, will continue with their suspension for the full two months.

The senior officers have been suspended with full pay since August last year.

They were to remain suspended until March this year to allow a Commission of Inquiry into allegations of police corruption with the investigation focusing on Tafaigata prison.

But there’s been an extension to their suspension, which means they will continue to receive full pay for the next two months.

Asked about the Ministry’s vehicle and the Minister made it clear that the Commissioner will continue using it because “it is under his contract”.

The Commission of Inquiry report including all its recommendations into conditions at Tafaigata prison and other related issues was approved by Cabinet.

In the press release from Prime Minister Tuilaepa, he said “the 75-page report lucidly outlined several management and administrative problems at the Ministry and validated unfavourable conditions, unflattering incidents and incongruous behaviour at the country’s main prison.”

“Fortunately, the weaknesses that led to these problems have been addressed in the Police (Servant Amendment) Act that Parliament approved last year,” he said.

“It essentially separated the management and administration of Prisons from general policing.

“Prisons will soon have its own chief executive and management to concentrate on the best interests and advancing the prison system when before, the Police ministry was dominated by the core policing law.”

Further, Tuilaepa said, “the weaknesses identified in the report are mainly to do with the systems in respect to operations and controls. It also recommends the establishment of an in-house medical clinic and facilities for counselling services.

“The Police Professional Standards Unit (PSU), the report recommends, should immediately execute its job of investigating several outstanding cases involving Police officers that were brought to its (PSU) desk, as unearthed in the Inquiry. The report was particularly scathing in addressing the urgent need to lift the calibre and integrity level of police personnel.

“The Commission as to its next phase of the Inquiry - under the Police Act - will address the issue of the capacity of the incumbent Commissioner and the A.C.E.O – Tafa’igata Prisons – to perform their functions satisfactorily as highlighted in the Inquiry’s findings.”