Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, says the police and all other government employees are the same when it comes to the policy that close family members, including married couples, should not work together.
The prime minister has pointed out this would avoid the issue of conflict of interests and allow the smooth running of the administration as well as just decision making.
Tuila'epa said the police is no exception.
Samoa's PM appears to be cracking down on public servants with family ties working together Photo: RNZI/Sally Round
Weeks after the prime minister took over the portfolio of the Ministry of Police, he advised married couples and senior officers who have a son or daughter working as police officers to decide who would be staying and who would be leaving.
The prime minister said one of them should look for a job elsewhere.
Meanwhile married couples within the police, of which there are reportedly at least 24, have met to discuss the matter with several saying the Police Act does not prohibit married couples or close family members from serving together.
