New Zealand supports Tonga police with intelligence operations training

The Tonga Police has achieved another milestone with the handover of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) course and the Intelligence Operational Model (IOM) as part of the ongoing Tonga New Zealand Police Program (TNZPP). These development activities were developed in consultation with Tonga Police staff and are aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the force.

The New Zealand High Commissioner, His Excellency Matthew Howell, attended the handover ceremony and expressed his pleasure in witnessing this progress. Developed by New Zealand Police (NZP) Senior Advisor Sergeant Brendan Robertson, the NCO course focuses on key areas such as leadership, professional standards, core policing skills, crime scene management, detention and bail procedures, mentoring, coaching and operational planning. This comprehensive training is designed to improve the quality of NCOs within the Tonga Police.

NZP Senior Intelligence Advisor Ryan Stirling presented the Intelligence Operational Model (IOM), a framework designed to strengthen the intelligence function of the Tonga Police. The IOM is expected to play a key role in achieving intelligence-led, support-based policing, in line with the wider vision of the Tonga Police.

Tonga Police Commissioner Shane McLennan attended the ceremony as guest of honour and he highly praised the dedication and hard work of the TNZPP advisors. He stressed that these courses are vital to the future of the Tonga Police, noting that “taking care of NCOs and putting intelligence at the forefront of policing is fundamental to everyday operations.”