Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Director of the Department of Search and Rescue, Utumoe Alefosio, has categorically denied allegations made in a letter signed by several employees of the Marine Patrol Division. As reported earlier by Samoa News, the letter claimed that a federal grant specifically allocated to boating safety initiatives was misappropriated to cover overtime expenses for department personnel.

On December 20, this letter was sent to members of the Senate, prompting a formal hearing by the Senate Public Safety Committee, which was chaired by Senator Olo Uluao Letuli last Thursday.

In their correspondence, the Marine Patrol employees requested a transfer back under the Department of Public Safety (DPS), asserting that the current working environment had become “toxic.” They expressed a desire to engage fully in their roles as law enforcement officers without the distractions and tensions bred by departmental conflicts.

Among the serious claims outlined in the letter was that Director Alefosio had verbally appointed Misifoa Umi as the head of the Marine Patrol Division. The employees contended that Umi had directed the repositioning of one of the Marine Patrol's boats, the Siren, to be stationed in Aunuu, accompanied by a jet ski. They raised concerns that this arrangement would significantly limit Marine Patrol's operational capacity, as the only vessel available to serve the vast areas of Tutuila and Manu’a would be the 21-foot Zodiac, compromising their ability to respond effectively to emergencies across the islands.

During the hearing, Alefosio provided a thorough overview of his initiatives and progress since he took on the role of department director in February of the previous year. He expressed his strong commitment to cultivating positive relationships and fostering a spirit of teamwork among the various divisions under his oversight. While acknowledging notable improvements across several divisions, he noted a significant lack of cooperation from the Marine Patrol Division, which he believes has been detrimental to the department's overall effectiveness and efficiency.

Alefosio took the opportunity to elaborate on Umi's qualifications, emphasizing his impressive background as a retired U.S. Army veteran. Umi brings extensive experience as a fishing boat owner and possesses in-depth knowledge of the transportation routes between Auasi and Aunuu. Currently, Umi serves as the Project Coordinator for the Department of Search and Rescue, where his comprehensive understanding of marine operations is invaluable.

Mosese Lomu, the deputy director of the department, oversees the Marine Patrol Division. In response to concerns raised during the hearing, Alefosio reassured the senators that the Siren — a crucial asset of the Marine Patrol — remains stationed at the Marine Patrol headquarters in Fagatogo. He clarified that it is not permanently deployed in Aunuu, addressing and countering the claims made in the employees' grievances.

Regarding financial concerns, Alefosio firmly denied that grant funds were misused to cover overtime costs. He noted that the department has been grappling with challenges in fulfilling all outstanding overtime obligations, leading employees to often be compelled to take compensatory time off rather than receive direct overtime pay. This situation highlights the financial constraints the department is currently facing.

When asked about his views on the possible transfer of the Marine Patrol back to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Alefosio reflected on his previous experiences within that department. He stated that DPS’ primary focus has historically been on police work, resulting in insufficient resources and attention being allocated to the Fire and Marine Patrol divisions. This situation has caused frustration among personnel, who feel their specific roles and responsibilities are being overshadowed. Feedback from employees has indicated a sense of relief at having a renewed focus on their designated duties and missions, enabling them to leverage their training effectively rather than being intermittently called to assist with law enforcement activities.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean noted that, from his reading of the letter, it was clear that the Marine Patrol employees were dissatisfied with their director. He probed Alefosio for insight into this discontent.

In response, Alefosio revealed that the letter appeared shortly after he reassigned the Marine Patrol Division Chief, a decision he suspects catalyzed the employees' discontent. He characterized the former chief as someone who frequently disregarded directives and was unwilling to collaborate with others. Despite his efforts to communicate the importance of unity within the department, Alefosio noted that there was no improvement. Following an employee’s complaint against the Marine Patrol Chief, he made the difficult decision to reassign the individual in search of a more cohesive and effective working environment for the division.