Sen. Mauga Tasi Asuega described the culprit(s) who targeted police officers in two separate shootings late last year, as “cowards”, and he also joined a handful of senators calling for drug testing of police officers, as well as others considered law enforcement officers in American Samoa.

Mauga’s comments were made last week during a committee hearing, which senators used to vent their frustration, as well as the public’s perception of the police performance — that of — as lacking and not honest in carrying out their sworn duties.

Several senators even publicly claimed that there is a multitude of drug sellers and users in the territory, as well as those growing marijuana, all contributing to the demise of American Samoa’s future generation, and not much has been done to address these problems.

The Senate Public Safety/Homeland Security Committee, chaired by Sen. Faletagoai Tuiolemotu called the hearing for a status report on the two shootings — one which damaged the police substation in Leone and the other which seriously injured a police officer, who is seeking medical care in Honolulu.

Witnesses who appeared at the two-hour hearing were Acting Police Commissioner Save Liuato Tuitele, Homeland Security Department director Utuali’i Iuniasolua Savusa and Police Chief Tauese V. Sunia.

Mauga said the two shootings did not only impact the Western District, but the entire territory, and suggested that the DPS select an “elite team” of the best officers and investigators to undergo training. He also suggested “drug testing” for all officers to deal with the growing drug problem in the territory.

Mauga, in a stern voice, called the culprits in the police shootings“cowards”, saying that they are "not Samoan, because Samoans show respect for others" and said these same alleged offenders — the culprit(s) don’t participate in village, family or church affairs.

He says DPS needs to send a clear message to the culprits and drug dealers that American Samoa will not tolerate these types of crimes, and besides police officers, he also recommends that Immigration and Customs officers also go through drug testing.

Sen. Uti Petelo agreed with Mauga on drug testing of police as well as Immigration and Customs officers, saying that drugs are entering the territory through its  borders and much more needs to be done to halt the illegal importation of drugs.

Other senators agreed and suggested that an independent lab or individual from off-island conduct the drug tests to ensure their accuracy, and make sure they are not tampered with.

Sen. Leatualevao Asifoa suggested that DPS consider looking into installing surveillance cameras — which are used by other cities in the U.S. — at troubled areas of the territory to help police track down suspects. He also said that police should look into asking the federal government for funding to ensure the local police force has sufficient resources to combat these problems.

Manu’a Sen. Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga voiced his disappointment with the alleged lack of police response to what he says are concerns by his constituents due to the drug problem in the Manu'a islands. He claims that police have been contacted, but DPS officials  only travel to Manu’a and then return to Tutuila with no outcome of any investigation.

“Nothing is done for the concerns of Manu’a. Still no suspect, no arrest,” he said in a booming voice and then urged Save to do something about the drug problem in Manu’a before the situation gets worse.

In addressing Nuanuaolefeagaiga’s concerns as well as other senators who are not happy with police performance when it comes to expediting investigations followed by arrests, Save told the committee in a calm voice that it's easy for police officers to arrest individuals involved in any case, including drug cases, but there has to be solid evidence to back up such a case.

Save says all necessary and required evidence, including witness testimonies, are needed before any case is sent to the Attorney General’s Office recommending prosecution. He asked senators and the public for patience as police continue their investigations into drug cases, especially the case involving the two police shooting incidents last year, which he has appointed a task force to focus their attention upon.