In a unanimous 15-0 vote, the Senate yesterday confirmed the governor’s nomination of  Save Liuato Tuitele as police commissioner. The final decision now rests with the House, whose Public Safety Committee has scheduled a confirmation hearing tomorrow.

Prior to the Senate vote, Save earlier in the day appeared before the Senate Public Safety/Homeland Security Committee for his confirmation hearing, where senators praised the governor’s nominee — a former local police officer, a former Associate Judge and a son of American Samoa who served in the U.S. military as an investigator with the military's Criminal Investigation Division.

Sen. Laolagi F.S. Vaeao says the nominee’s resume is “very impressive” and that “you are qualified for the post of police commissioner.” Additionally, some of the “most outstanding” areas of Save’s career are in law enforcement, he said.

Laolagi reminded Save that he will face many challenges ahead as Police Commissioner if fully confirmed by the Fono. “I believe you are ready and prepared for this position. We’re looking forward to the opportunity so you can put into [DPS] what you have learned through the years, going through school and working in the military as a CID officer,” he noted.

Sen. Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono agreed and recommended that Save — if fully confirmed by the Fono — speak with young police officers to always show respect to the public, especially elders, when carrying out their duties.

Soliai said it's important that the young officers show respect to the community, adding that there have been incidents where the youthful police officers were disrespectful to older drivers when stopping their vehicles.

He also said that there are a lot of firearms in the territory, and this was made evident with the two shootings late last year targeting the Department of Public Safety. He suggested that Save look at implementing a plan to collect all these illegal firearms, taking them off the streets. He also claimed that students go to school with firearms.

Sen. Uti Petelo joined other senators in reminding the nominee that it's no secret that American Samoa is impacted by outside influence and it's very important that the community remains protected at all times.

Sen. Galeai M. Tu’ufuli, a former police commissioner, said he knew Save from years ago when both of them were on the local police force. He then asked Save if he agrees with having the Office of Territorial and International Criminal Intelligence and Drug Enforcement (OTICIDE) transferred back to DPS, where it was home based from its inception years ago. He said when Mike Sala left DPS, he took OTICIDE with him to the local Department of Homeland Security (ASDHS).

Save replied that discussions have already been held with the Attorney General’s Office on this particular issue, and pointed out that the computer terminal for the National Crime Information Center (part of OTICIDE responsibilities) is required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to be monitored 24/7.

Save said local laws have the protection of all local homeland security issues come under the local Homeland Security Department, however, he agrees with transferring OTICIDE back to DPS and is awaiting a meeting with the ASDHS director on this matter.

Samoa News should also point out that OTICIDE is the local host agency for INTERPOL and other regional and international law enforcement entities.