AFP deploys to Tonga

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) today deployed 34 members to Tonga to assist the Tongan Police Force in the restoration of law and order after riots broke out in the capital Nuku’alofa this week.

Following a formal request from the Tongan Government, the AFP members left Canberra this morning on a Royal Australian Airforce Hercules aircraft and are expected to arrive in Tonga tonight after a brief stop-over in Norfolk Island.

The AFP members – working under the command of the Tongan Police Force - will be assessing the current situation on the ground in Tonga and working closely with the Australian Defence Force and New Zealand authorities in helping bring stability to the country.

The members are being drawn from a broad range of skill sets within the AFP – including forensic experts and general duties officers.

Assistant Commissioner Paul Jevtovic said the members would be able to offer the Tongan Police Force immediate additional support, while scoping the situation and making recommendations on any short-term policing requirements.

“The AFP has a longstanding relationship with the Tongan Police Force who work alongside us in the Solomon Islands and also participate in training programs in Australia,” Assistant Commissioner Jevtovic said.

“It is important that Australian police help our law enforcement partners in the Pacific in maintaining efforts to prevent further outbreaks of violence.”