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Community Briefs

DPS OFFICERS UNDERGOING PSYCH EVALUATIONS

 

Police Commissioner William Haleck says DPS officers are currently undergoing psychological evaluations conducted by Dr. Jean Anderson and once they can identify 24 eligible candidates, training will begin in the use of non-lethal weapons as well as firearms.

 

Responding to Samoa News queries, Haleck said training for the use of non-lethal weapons like pepper spray and taser guns will begin as soon as the weapons arrive from off island and once the 24 officers are selected, based on the results of their psych evaluations.

 

He said DPS has already purchased 24 Glock model 17 nine-millimeter pistols for its firearms program and those weapons will be used by the 24 officers who pass the rigorous Firearms Training.

 

In the meantime, Haleck said he hasn’t received an update on the status of his recent request to the Honolulu Police Dept., asking them to donate some guns to DPS.

 

“The law says I can arm the cops if I provide the Governor with a training program, approved by him,” Haleck said yesterday. He added that a Gun Task Force, which was appointed by the Governor earlier this year, was charged with reviewing policies and procedures relating to the handling of firearms and the use of police force.

 

“Basically, everything has been written up and now it’s just a matter of submitting it to the Governor and waiting for his approval. He has the final word,” said Haleck.

 

TODAY IS LAST DAY OF FREE MEDICAL CLINICS BY MEDICAL MISSION

 

The USA/American Samoa Medical Mission is hosting two days of free medical clinics in the territory, and the first one was held at the Antioch Church in Ili’ili yesterday.

 

The second and final day of the clinics is today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Laulii at the Mulitauaopele residence.

 

A delegation of doctors and medical professionals — all of whom are volunteers — arrived in the territory from Samoa yesterday where free clinics were also offered. The group will be returning to the US mainland tomorrow night.

 

People of all ages, religious denominations, and ethnic backgrounds are invited to take advantage of the free services which include medical screening, diagnostics, eye care, and prescription medications.

 

DMWR TO HOST SUMMER FISHING CAMP FOR KIDS

 

As has been the norm every summer for the past few years, the Dept. of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) will be hosting a summer fishing camp for kids. This year, the camp will be at $2 Beach in Avaio at the end of July. (An exact date will be announced).

 

Boys and girls between 9 and 13 years old are invited to sign up and register at the DMWR office in Fagatogo or call 633-4456 and ask for Malia Vaofanua or Honcho Taifane.

 

The camp is free of charge and space is limited to 25 children because of funding constraints.

 

“We provide all the food and activity materials so we are limited on money to accommodate more kids,” said Malia Vaofanua, DMWR’s Education Coordinator.

 

The camp is a three-night, two-day event that will teach kids everything from swimming and different knot tying techniques to fish biology lessons and different angling skills. The campers will also get the chance to go fishing.

 

Kids are required to provide their own bedding, clothes, proper footwear and personal hygiene items.

 

Last year, the camp was held in Poloa so this year, DMWR officials decided to take the camp to the east side. Campers will be accepted on a ‘first come, first serve basis.’