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Police Riled Up Big Time

Written by Pio Sioa
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
AT STRENGTH : Local police in full crowd control strength during the recent RHD protest march Police momentarily lost control of the rioting students last Friday because they took for granted that the reported outbreak of violence between the schools, involved mainly kids throwing punches at each other. This was readily admitted by the police spokesman, Assistant Commissioner, Papali’i Li’o Masepa’u on Monday when asked by Newsline after a press conference. “Police responded to the reports expecting to confront the same kind of incident as they have done so in the past, ” he admitted. “They found out however that the situation has become more serious, with the use of stones, metal pipes and other dangerous objects.” Papali’i played down the extent of the 10 police men and women officers injured, as ‘minor’, preferring to treat it as risks that come with the job. But he took on a serious tone about the severity of the response by police the next time any more outbreak of violence occurs in the streets of Apia from students. “The next time that happens police will take up their manner of response to a different level. “The incident last Friday was obviously pre-meditated, kids from Don Bosco were not in uniform and were obviously armed and prepared.” The Assistant Police Commissioner was not prepared to commit to any public comments about the police response when asked if they intend to break out the riot gears they were prepared to use during the recent Right Hand Drive protest march. Of the 22 arrests made from the riot, all are students from Don Bosco, including one teacher, who are now facing several charges ranging from disturbing the peace to being armed with dangerous weapons. As of Monday, all were being held under police custody at Tafaigata prison. Police are expected to file more charges on other students reportedly involved as investigations continue. “All those under 17 years who are charged will appear in the youth court, where it will be decided whether the charges should be moved up to the district court.” Papali’i has made a public appeal for people who were at the scene of the violence to come forth and help out with the investigations. Police are seriously keen on any information leading to the arrest of three people who were in a white ‘ taxi like’ vehicle, where a flaming bottle of kerosne, was thrown into the midst of Leififi College students waiting to catch the bus home at the Flea Market bus stop. A 17 year old female student suffered severe burns from the incident and is in critical condition at the High Depedency Unit at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital. Two other female students suffered minor burns and have been treated and discharged. The Commissioner of Police and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education, made television appearances on Monday night to apologise to the general public and to advice against any more violence on the streets. Police presence in town has been beefed up to provide control and ensure public safety. Comments (1) Subscribe to this comment's feed Public safety is not a matter of a guessing game! written by Jack, May 01, 2008 When in a job or position for public safety, never underestimate any kind of disturbance. A laid back attitude taken by the police force during the student riot now caused a young girl's future and money to families and business. Samoa needs to revamp the whole police force and change training to meet the current situation in the country and the world. Samoa is experiencing how the big boys overseas deal with pressure...try and kill each other. My biggest advice to the government is to train your police force 10 steps ahead of the norm. Good luck! Write comment Name Email Title Comment

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