Samoa new police commissioner Egon Keil says he wants to introduce a raft of new changes to the force.
Samoa's Police Commissioner, Egon Keil Photo: RNZI Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Our correspondent in Apia reports Mr Keil's appointment has come as a surprise to most local police officers because it is the first time someone from outside the ministry with police working experience and qualifications has been appointed to the top job.
The former Los Angeles police department officer says he is looking forward to taking on the challenge.
"I think the police department needs a lot of new things, new way of thinking. The police department needs a new recruitement processes, new hiring processes and also how to retain people. You know I really have to get in to really see what's going on in there but all I know is it needs a lot of new things, new thinking. I think the change has to be systemic. It has to be lasting as well. So it's not a fast process. It's a slow process but it's going to be effective."
