Police Academy set to begin in July as DPS continues to vet candidates

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Public Safety's new Police Academy will commence its physical fitness training in July, marking a significant step toward enhancing the department's capacity and effectiveness. 

Since the Academy's announcement earlier this month, more than 200 individuals have submitted their applications for various positions within the force. Police Commissioner Ta'aga Saite Moliga confirmed this influx of interest during an interview with KVKZ TV.

Entrance examinations have been conducted over the past few weeks in the lead-up to the academy for the applications. Approximately half of the applicants completed their exams two weeks ago, while the final group participated in the assessment last Friday.

The department is grappling with a substantial shortage of personnel.

This lack of personnel necessitated the temporary closure of the substations in Leone and Fagaitua. However, following Ta'aga's confirmation as Police Commissioner, these substations were reopened.

Commissioner Ta'aga stated that around 150 candidates successfully passed the exam and are now moving forward through several stages that include physical evaluations and interviews. From this group, he anticipates selecting approximately 80 recruits for the academy.

Upon completion of the program, 60 recruits will graduate as full-fledged police officers; and, at the same time, an additional 20 will be designated as members of the Police Reserve.

Ta'aga emphasized the importance of the reserve unit, as it will create a reliable pool of trained candidates for the Department of Public Safety to draw from to address future vacancies.

Reserve officers will be required to commit fully to the academy’s training regimen, including attending all classes and participating in physical and tactical exercises. Unlike previous arrangements where reserve officers volunteered their time, the commissioner is actively seeking funding to provide reserve officers with a nominal salary.

The Commissioner noted the academy is set to officially commence on July 1st and will continue for a duration of up to four months that will be composed of a variety of training modules, including physical fitness, emergency response techniques, and community policing strategies. In addition, recruits will be given an understanding of legal principles, ethics in law enforcement, and the importance of effective communication and collaboration within the community they serve.

This comprehensive approach aims to foster not only their professional development but also their commitment to upholding public safety and justice, according to the interview.