Progress in Police grievances, Commissioner meets petitioners

By Tevita Motulalo

THERE has been progress in addressing grievances voiced by a significant portion of Tonga Police to Cabinet about the leadership of Police Commissioner Chris Kelley, as he has met with some of them to discuss their concerns and a way forward.

Last Tuesday he said it was unfair for members of Police to make accusations of him without revealing their identities.

“Its like dealing with phantoms,” he said to Tonga Chronicle, “I still don’t know who they are. Not one."

Kelley said to Tonga Chronicle it has been helpful that some of the petitioners surface to talk to him directly, last Thursday, yesterday, and another meeting pending for today.

Kelley responds to calls to end tenure

By Tevita Motulalo

Commissioner of Tonga Police Chris Kelley

TONGA’S Commissioner of Police, New Zealander Christopher Kelley has made a public response to the allegations of a petition submitted to Cabinet.

“I am aware of the ‘petition’ document…I have not seen a photocopy of the original document,” said Kelley.

“Change may be at the ‘heart’ of these perceived grievances, change to merit based promotion, change to a new Police Act, and change in the way in which we manage disciplinary proceedings.”

And change it may be, as the petition also calls on Cabinet for his removal.

But Kelley continues, “What I can say is when I came to Tonga…my brief from the Tonga government was to initiate reform in the Tonga Police with the help of the tripartite government partners of Tonga, Australia, and New Zealand.”

Another petition against Police Commissioner Kelley

By Tevita Motulalo

THERE has been a second petition by members of Tonga Police against the leadership of Commissioner Chris Kelley, signed and submitted to the Minister of Police Hon. Viliami Latu.

The Minister of Police Viliami Lātū

Petitioners assert outright that the position of Commissioner of Police should have been given to a Tongan.

“What has happened to those who have acquired enough high degrees and renowned in the Department, are they bad and unworthy?” is the question asked in the petition.

The letter states that if nothing is done to address the matters raised in the apparent grievances, the morale, complacency, and corruption within the force will not get better.

The writers state confidently that “If the issues we raised were asked individually to all the members of the police, at least 95% will agree and believe the same as we do,” and signed by about 150 members of the force.

Division in Tonga Police, calls on Cabinet to end Commander’s tenure

By Tevita Motulalo

Commissioner of Police, Christopher Kelley

About half of Tonga Police have signed a petition to Cabinet over leadership issues on the part of their Commissioner, Christopher Kelley.

“We respectfully express our dissatisfaction of the way the Commissioner of Police is leading the Department,” the letter says.

Among the issues raised are the promotion of officers, the instalment of “Acting” capacities when fellow officers take leave, and the investigation and disciplinary process of alleged misconduct of members of Police. This is by the elimination of an internal tribunal, and “suspending” officers outright when there are allegations of inappropriate conduct.

The petitioners are opposing this “threatening” behaviour, which they say has diminished morale and the dedication to the service.

The petition claims that the Commissioner is acting with “favouritism” allowing the privileges to certain individuals he favours while denying them to others that should have.

Also raised was the new Police Act recently brought into force by Cabinet.