The Samoan Cabinet has confirmed its decision to suspend Assistant Police Commissioner Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu.
It has also announced that a Commission of Inquiry has also been called to review Samoa’s conduct and performance as a Police Officer.
Cabinet has also suspended Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil from his duties, pending a court decision on new charges against him.
The charges, originally brought by Samoa Police, have now been transferred to the National Prosecution for processing and action.
According to the Police Service Act, an Inquiry may be called in to the performance or capacity of a Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner.
Cabinet said it has also confirmed that the work of the Commission of Inquiry will subsequently extend to a thorough review of Samoa Police activities and services.
The Inquiry will assess any breaches of duty or incapacity and will review behaviour that has negatively affected the confidence of the community in the Police Service.
The review by the Commission of Inquiry will take place at a later date, as decided upon by Cabinet.
Cabinet has also reaffirmed protocols for the request, use and safekeeping of firearms by Samoa Police.
Any request and approval of the use of firearms must be considered first by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Attorney General and Director of the National Prosecution Office.
The duties of the Police Commissioner will be rotated amongst serving Assistant Commissioners until further notice.