Samoa Prisons

According to SPPCS, six of the officers are male and nine are females.

Speaking to the new recruits, District Court Judge, Loau Donald Kerslake said, “They are to protect and ensure the safety and well management of inmates under their care within Tanumalala, Olomanu and Vaiaata” and secondly, they are to protect and ensure the safety of the community from them (inmates)”.

He reminded them that they have pledged to serve with honesty, honour and just accordingly to the laws..

“ You have pledged to do right in serving the Ministry”.

Papalii Monalisa Keti in an email cited the most pressing issue is the overcrowding in cell blocks and not meeting social distancing requirements.

She confirmed receiving the Ombudsman's report which has provided an evaluation of the preparedness, prevention, and control of Covid-19 at Tanumalala Prison.

Papalii acknowledged the work of the Ombudsman's Office in providing her Ministry with recommendations which they will continue to work on.

Police Commissioner Su’a Fuiavailiili Egon Keil said Savaii Police Operations and Savaii Prisons Operations joined members of the Tactical Operations Squad in Apia.

The simulations are said to have also tested the capacity and speed of the Australian Government donated police patrol boat, the Nafanua II, to test for emergencies that would involve urgent evacuation and movements of persons between the two islands.

Prisons spokesperson Ulugia Nuia Aumua says the training provides the group an opportunity to turn a new leaf in the lives.

“As you know we are the prisons and correctional services, not only do we hold the prisoners to prevent re-offending, but we also train and rehabilitate them, in order to change their mindset,” said Ulugia.

“So we’re just not about punishing the criminal. We believe in second chances as well for those who do have such a chance,” he added.