Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander Geoff Turner has been named as the new Commissioner of Tonga Police.
Commander Turner (pictured) was appointed by the Tonga Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel of the Privacy Council, with the approval of His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga.
He’ll be sworn in on Monday (12 May) to serve a three-year term as the successor to Shane McLennan, who was the first Australian appointed to the role.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw congratulated Commissioner Turner on his appointment, which he said would continue to evolve and enhance law-enforcement capabilities across the Pacific.
“The AFP is proud that one of our officers will perform this crucial function and will explore every opportunity to work with Tonga Police in our shared goal to support and enhance policing operations in the Pacific region,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
“The shared work of Pacific police partners is vital for enhancing the security of communities across the region and for collectively countering evolving regional security threats.
“Crime has never been more complex and transnational. It requires a tech-savvy, agile and experienced workforce to help stay ahead of criminals who wrongly believe they are untouchable.”
Commander Turner’s policing background across 34 years includes community policing, recruit training, national operations and international deployments to Afghanistan and Timor-Leste.
As Commander of the AFP’s Timor-Leste Police Development Program, his achievements included leading significant reform for the Policia National de Timor-Leste.
