December 13, 2023
In the Samoa District Court on the 12th of December 2023, 48 newly recruited police officers were sworn in as members of the Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services.
In front of the Honorable Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga, 31 females and 17 males recited their oaths as they prepared to start their police careers in the Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services.
In her remarks, Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga stressed to the newly recruited police officers not to do their jobs out of fear, inequality, unfairness and biasness, but rather to do their jobs to ensure the safety of Samoa as a whole.
“Aua le faia lau galuega ma le fefe, aua foi le fai lau gaulega e faapito,” said Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga.
According to Sa’aga, police duties are essential for the safety and maintenance of peace in Samoa.
The role of a police officer is highly respected by the Samoan people, and by becoming a law enforcement officer, one is expected to uphold and protect the law. Moreover, Sa’aga emphasized the high regard with which the Samoan people hold police officers, stating that even their words and actions can contribute to saving lives.
“Ia e silafia o taimi uma lava e te savali ai i le taulaga, a’o fai lau togiga leoleo, ia e silafia le fa’atuatuaga o tagata ua tu’uina atu, o le mea e te latu ai e iai le malamala ma le saogalemu” Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga said.
Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga delivered a speech to the forty-eight recruiting officers, highlighting the significance of their role and the challenges they will face. Sa’aga emphasized to the officers that being a police officer is not a simple task, as it encompasses numerous difficulties and obstacles. However, with the guidance of the Lord, the officers can overcome these seemingly insurmountable challenges and achieve what may initially seem impossible.
Sa’aga’s message to the officers ended on a positive note, urging them to rely on the Lord’s wisdom as they embark on their law enforcement journey.
“Ia fesoasoani mai Le Atua ia te au.”
Her message served as a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in one’s abilities, as they navigate through the complexities of their roles.