Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — ASG’s Department of Corrections hosted its first-ever Academy Graduation Ceremony on Nov. 22, 2023, at the Governor H. Rex Lee Auditorium.

The academy, which commenced with 32 cadets, saw successful completion of 27 who fulfilled all requirements and received a certificate of achievement.

The intensive four-week program included daily physical training (PT) sessions conducted by Department of Public Safety instructors. The curriculum covered a range of essential topics, including Intro to Corrections, History and Modern Concepts in Corrections, Ethics in Corrections, Contraband and Searches, Basic Security Practices, Lawsuit and Civil Liabilities. Included was a focus on personal mental health and mental well-being in the workplace.

One of the Tualauta District Representatives, Samuel Ioka Ale Meleisea presented the certificates of achievement to the cadets during the ceremony. As a highlight of the event, the award for outstanding cadet was presented to Cadet Maureen Saupo, recognizing her exemplary dedication and performance throughout the academy.

Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga, delivered the keynote address emphasizing the importance of executing duties with diligence and placing emphasis on safety as correctional officers committed to serving and protecting. “You are not just officers of the law; you are guardians of justice, protectors of the community, and ambassadors of goodwill,” the governor said.

The ceremony commenced with the presentation of the colors by the Tafuna High School JROTC, with welcoming remarks delivered by the Director of the Department of Corrections, Tauanu’u Semu F. Tauanu’u. Reverend Kautoa Moloti’i from the CCCAS Nua & Seetaga congregation proved the spiritual message.

Department of Corrections extends congratulations to all the graduates and expresses gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the inaugural Academy Graduation Ceremony.

Samoa News notes the graduation comes on the heels of one of the female Correction Officers recently being accused of allegedly beating up an inmate at the Tafuna Correctional Facility, after the inmate ‘ratted’ on her to her superior.