17 Apr 2019

Tonga police open to cooperation post Christchurch attacks

12:46 pm on 17 April 2019

After the Christchurch terror attacks, the world needs to work together to be more alert to security threats, Tonga's police commissioner says.

Tonga police commissioner, Stephen Caldwell

Tonga police commissioner, Stephen Caldwell Photo: supplied

Following the renewal of Tonga's membership of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the commissioner Stephen Caldwell said it would help Tonga meet the threat of cross border crime, including drug trafficking.

Tonga rejoined INTERPOL in November last year after a 12-year hiatus from the organisation.

In a statement, Mr Caldwell said crime was becoming more complex and Tongan police needed to strengthen cooperation with other agencies.

"We need to share information quickly, and we need to make the world a smaller place for criminals," he said.

INTERPOL held a training programme at Tonga's police headquarters in Nuku'alofa last week.