New police head in Samoa looks for improvement

Transcript

The new police Commissioner in Samoa says he wants to introduce a new level of transparency and accountability to the force.

Egon Keil who has worked for the Los Angeles Police Department for most of his career, was sworn in over the weekend.

Mr Keil told Koro Vaka'uta about his plans for the Samoan force.

EGON KEIL:  Everybody wants a professional police department.  One that's accountable to the people, to protect and serve the people.  There's going to be a lot of training that is going to be going on here in Samoa.  In-service training about how we investigate crimes, how we deal with the public, media relations, investigate traffic collisions, DUIs.  Personnel complaints as well, internal issues, so there is going to be a lot of different objectives that I have in mind.

KORO VAKA'UTA:  I notice that you've promised a new level of transparency and accountability from the Samoan police force.  How are you going to do that?

EK:  As far as transparency there is going to be probably a lot more outside influence, like other entities, coming into the police department to observe and look at the work that we've done or we've been doing or going to be doing.  Also we are going to be seeking advice from New Zealand and Australia on certain matters.

KV:  In terms of the police force, I guess before you were appointed Commissioner looking from an external perspective, what were some areas that did need improvement?

EK:  What I was hearing was community relations kind of stuff.  Stuff where the officers were a little more friendly to the public, maybe some internal corruption.  A lack of experience, protocols, how we deal with internal matters as far as personnel complaints.  Prosecutions, some field contacts like DUIs.  Those are some of the issues I see from the outside.  I've had a chance to address my command staff, set up objectives, accountability, expectations and that sort of tone.

KV:  What have you seen in the police force that you are happy with and satisfied with in terms of positives aspects?  

EK:  This organisation is actually set up pretty well.  It's got steps that it can go forward very easily.  I think that it just lacked a lot of leadership but there is a lot of experience and passionate folks that are working here.  A lot of knowledge as well it's just they didn't have the opportunity to expand on that or have somebody to come and give them the proper direction.  I see a lot of positive changes happening fairly soon.

KV:  In terms of experience, what do you bring to the table as police commissioner that you think will aid and serve the community well?

EK:  Well I've got a lot of experience from the Los Angeles Police Department in dealing with high risk incidences, dealing with personnel complaints, complaint resolution, investigations of shooting scenes, crowd control, internal audits, use of force.  All those kinds of experiences I'll bring over here to hopefully enhance the way we do business here in Samoa and on an international level.