8 Jul 2022

Samoan police commissioner wants to set up new complaints body

11:08 am on 8 July 2022

Samoa's new Police Commissioner, Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo, wants to set up an autonomous body to handle complaints against the police.

TV1Samoa quotes Auapa'au saying the complaints are currently dealt with by the internal Police Professional Standards Tribunal which has been criticised by members of the public as being biased.

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Photo: RNZ Pacific / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

He says there are always suspicions of police bias when investigating their own.

The 24-year veteran of the police force, Auapa'au was confirmed last week by Cabinet as the new head of the country's constabulary from seven applicants.

His appointment comes almost a year after the resignation of the last Commissioner, Fuiavaiiliili Egon Keil.