“Each police officer must and shall be promoted according to the Promotion Merit System (Time in Service; Time in Grade, Formal Education, Experience etc), was the response from Human Resources Director Sonny L. Thompson, who made it clear that the two senior posts filled with the Department of Public Safety are appointments only, they are not promotions.

On Tuesday, Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga appointed Vaimaga Maiava as Deputy Commissioner and Commander Tauese Va’aomala Sunia as Chief of Police. Samoa News has received phone calls from police officers inquiring if the Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Police positions are appointments only (which is temporary) or have Vaimaga and Tauese been promoted?

HR Director told Samoa News that the governor's action; the DPS Organization Chain of Command and hierarchy must be clear and direct. He said it defuses confusion amongst the rank and file. 

“Further, each police officer must and shall be promoted according to the Promotion Merit System (Time in Service; Time in Grade, Formal Education, Experience etc.).” Thompson stated that most importantly, the salary associated with these personnel promotion and hiring criteria moving forward will be standardized accordingly.

Lolo told Samoa News he made the appointments given that it’s a “critical time of the year” — being close to the holidays — and Commissioner William Haleck is off island.

According to the memo, Lolo urged the departments and agency directors to give Maiava their full support should he reach out for assistance, as he attempts to make sure the holiday season will be free from any fatal accidents or public disorder, which may affect the joyous spirit of Christmas and the New Year.