Speculation is growing that Police Commissioner Steven Caldwell’s contract may be extended.
His current contract expires in April 2021.
Sources inside the New Zealand Government have told Kaniva News that Commissioner Caldwell’s contract could be extended by as much as another two years.
Caldwell was at the centre of a controversy in the kingdom last year when the Police Minister and Cabinet said they did not want to renew his contract because of complaints about his handling of disciplinary cases against local officers.
At the time, Police Minister Māteni Tapueluelu said the government believed Caldwell was no longer fit for the job.
A spokesperson for Mr. Caldwell told Kaniva News earlier this year the Commissioner was restricted by his contract in what he could say to the public.
However, his contract was renewed for two years by the Privy Council and approved by King Tupou VI in April.
Caldwell is a New Zealander and his salary is mostly paid for by the New Zealand government.
He was appointed Tonga’s Police commissioner in 2015 on a three-year contract.
Improved
It appears the relationship between the Police Minister and Commissioner Caldwell has improved.
Our source said Hon Tapueluelu and Commissioner Caldwell were in New Zealand last month.
Hon. Tapueluelu is said to have complimented the Commissioner on his work.
It appears the Minister was referring to the Commissioner’s part in Tonga’s fighting against illicit drug dealings.
Under Commissioner Caldwell, police have launched a major campaign against drugs in the kingdom, with multiple arrests over Christmas and the new year.
Police have arrested 263 people and 28 police officers have been suspended.
New Zealand has contributed NZ$9 million to the costs of the anti-drugs campaign.
More than 30kgs of methamphetamine with a street value of NZ$26 million has been seized.
For more information
Tonga steps up war on meth trade with multiple arrests, over 30kg of drug seized
