Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Speaking at Monday’s cabinet meeting, Police Commissioner Le’i Sonny Thompson confirmed the dates of this year’s annual holiday enforcement, which kicks off today Dec. 20th and runs through Jan. 2, 2020.

And if a cabinet member is arrested during enforcement and taken to the TCF, Le’i advised them not to call him to get them out of jail. The statement prompted laughter from those in attendance, including Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga and Lt. Gov. Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga.

“We ask that you - directors and leaders and [others] - conduct yourselves accordingly during the holidays… police will be out in full force,” Le’i said. “And refrain from calling me” if taken to the TCF. He said police will be out working and “will not get you out of TCF if you’re arrested. So don’t call me.”

Le’i asks that everyone, including all ASG employees, conduct themselves in an appropriate manner when attending parties and going to nightclubs. “We’re more than happy to take you home, or otherwise use the taxi,” he said.

Samoa News has learned that some companies last week canceled their usual Christmas parties, due to the measles outbreak.

At the cabinet meeting, Le’i said police “have experienced a lot of issues lately” because of the number of people visiting nightclubs, and partying, now that the ban on public gatherings has been lifted under the governor’s Dec. 16th amendment to the Dec. 8th emergency declaration.

“We need your help. We can’t do it alone,” Le’i told cabinet members and the public. He asked the Office of Samoan Affairs for their help in the villages with people using fagaofe (or Samoan bamboo canon) during the holidays.

Le’i said police are “bombarded with phone calls from people wanting us to respond”. He added, “I get the matai’s name, then call the house, tell them we got some folks from your family in the neighborhood, and you need to get involved,” he said.

Le’i told directors to enjoy the holiday but don’t overdo it — which prompted more laughter at the cabinet meeting. During the holiday season, there will be a lot of residents at the beach for family gatherings, and people swimming.

Lolo requested that ASG agencies with boats — such as DMWR and Port Administration — assist DPS Marine Patrol by assigning their vessels to the far west and far east sides of Tutuila, to provide quick responses in the event of an emergency in those areas.

He said it will take time for a response team from Fagatogo to reach those far out areas, such at the shoreline villages of Amouli and Alao, if there’s an emergency call. Lolo suggested having a boat stationed at Fagaitua for the east side and another somewhere on the west side.

He said there are also private boats that can be used. He told Le’i that if it’s needed,  rent a private one to help patrol areas on the far ends of the island that are usually crowded with people swimming.

This week, DPS launched a media campaign, as part of its usual holiday enforcement, to “drive sober or get pulled over”. The enforcement includes road blocks at unannounced locations island wide, as police check for those driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.