The transfer of the Vice and Narcotics Unit under the leadership of Criminal Investigation Division Lavata’i Ta’ase Sagapolutele — who is also Assistant Chief of Police — is not sitting well with police officers who feel that this should not happen.

The transfer was revealed in a memorandum issued last week by Commissioner of Public Safety, William Bill Haleck. The memo, leaked to Samoa News, says that after conferring with DPS’s Command staff, Haleck made personnel changes in order to continue positive changes, further enhancing and improving Police Services to the community.

Several police officers have questioned the decision for the CID Commander to oversee the Vice and Narcotics Unit, saying  that “Vice and Narc” should be a separate Division of DPS.

Lavata’i was also recommended by Haleck to be his temporary Deputy Commissioner, a decision that was not honored by the Lolo and Lemanu Administration.

According to the memo, long time police captain, John Cendrowski has been transferred to oversee the Vice and Narcotics Unit. Captain Cendrowski was with the Vice and Narc division many years back, before he was transferred to CID. He’s to report to Commander Lavata’i.

The Commissioner noted that this order supersedes any previous order pertaining to the placement and return of the Vice and Narc personnel back to CID to streamline current police operations.

Captain Leuma Paulo Leuma, who headed the Vice and Narcotics Unit for many years, has been transferred to the Leone Substation.

Other changes noted: Captain Pouu’amea Supapo has been assigned to oversee the Tafuna Police Substation and she remains an integral part of the Internal Affairs Unit as a collateral assignment. Captain Lima Togia, who was in charge of the Leone Substation, is now assigned to the Central Station to fill the position that was taken by late Captain Moleli Tavai.

POLICE VEHICLES

Other changes in the DPS refer to the use of vehicles. Haleck had previously allowed 17 police vehicles for 24 hours use, however the number has been decreased to eight vehicles.

Haleck said in reference to his order in May 16, 2014 where he authorized the usage of 17 vehicles for 24hrs, “unfortunately the governor’s office doesn’t agree with this list, and wanted to cut the 24 hours vehicle usage list down further, to a bare minimum.

The vehicles allowed on the road 24 hours are vehicles assigned to the Commissioner, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Assistant Chief/Commander CID, CID K9 Unit, CID on call, Vice and Narcotics Unit, and Captain for Marine Patrol.

Haleck noted that this list has been provided to the road marshall, and patrol and traffic unit for enforcement.