It’s unclear when the Lolo and Lemanu Administration will implement the salary increases for police officers, says Department of Public Safety Commissioner Save, however he confirmed that the Deputy Commissioner, Chief of Police and all the Commanders in the police force have already received raises.

These raises occurred before Save was appointed as Commissioner — was done during former Commissioner William Bill Haleck’s tenure.

According to Save he was tasked by Governor Lolo to work on a pay scale and to make a proposal for the police officers as he sees fit. Save pointed out the proposal he drafted has been turned into the governor’s office, waiting for his approval.

Save explained to Samoa News that the entry level for police officers will be increased from $10,000 to $15,000 per year, and further stated that when he was working on the pay scale there were some discrepancies, such as senior officers making less compared to the new officers.

Save said they are currently looking for funds to implement the salary increases for the officers, because they deserve it.

Samoa News understands that all the Police Commanders are now making $48,000 while the Deputy Commissioner’s new salary is now up at $52,000 and Chief of Police is making $50,000. Looking at the Budget for FY2015 document, Samoa News pointed out that one commander was making $42,000, while the Chief of Police was making $40,092. It’s unclear which Commander was making more than the Chief.

The Governor’s Executive Assistant, Iulogologo Joseph Pereira told Samoa News last year when questioned about said salaries that they were in the process of being evaluated at the time. He said the decision to address the salaries of Public Safety Officers is predicated on the nature of the job relative to safety issues, being exposed to dangerous and potentially lethal situations, and placing their lives in harm’s way.

“It is also to incentivize recruitment of high caliber individuals with regard to educational credentials, who are committed to the job of protecting all of us,” said Iu. He noted that the shooting spree at the Leone substation is indicative of changing times and the severity and  the horrific nature of crimes deemed prevalent only in the States.