Cook Islands Government has announced the new Commissioner of Police, tasked with rebuilding public trust and leading the police service through a period of reform and improved professionalism.

After weeks of speculation, Teokotai Joseph has been announced as the country’s new Commissioner of Police, the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed in a statement yesterday.

Joseph, a former police officer who has served as the Secretary for the Ministry of Corrective Services since 2018, had his appointment finalised this week by King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters.

He will officially commence his duties next week, following a formal handover ceremony from Acting Commissioner Akatauira Matapo.

In a statement, Prime Minister Mark Brown, who is also the Minister for Police, said Joseph’s leadership comes at a critical time for the Police Service.

“This appointment represents a turning point for the Police but more importantly an opportunity to re-engage with the community. The challenges of recent years – staff shortages, retention issues, and lapses in operational performance – have contributed to a decline in public confidence. Mr Joseph’s task now is to rebuild the fundamental principle of ‘policing by consent’ and regain that trust,” Brown said.

According to the Prime Minister, the incoming Police Commissioner’s values, leadership style and depth of public service experience “make him the right person to lead the Police Service into a new chapter of professionalism, integrity and stability”.

“As a former policeman himself, Mr Joseph brings with him extensive experience across the law and order sector, including most recently as Secretary for Corrective Services,” Brown said.

“Our Government is committed to strengthening the Police through better resources, fairer pay and smarter recruitment. That work continues, and with strong and competent leadership now in place, we are in a much better position to deliver the reforms our people expect.”

Joseph said he was honoured by the opportunity to serve and fully aware of the expectations placed on the Cook Islands Police Service.

“It is a privilege to take on this role, and I thank the Prime Minister and Public Service Commissioner for the trust they have placed in me,” Joseph said.

“Policing is more than enforcement – it is about building and strengthening public confidence, service and respect. My focus will be on lifting standards, improving transparency and accountability, building morale within the Service, and delivering the kind of leadership that earns trust rather than demands it.

“We owe it to our Officers, and to the communities we serve, to get this right.”

According to the Office of the PM, the recruitment process was overseen by Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter, who had previously worked with Joseph during his tenure as Secretary for Corrective Services.

“Having served as Mr Joseph’s employer over the past four years, I’ve seen first-hand his leadership, professionalism and commitment to public service,” Hunter said.

“He understands the responsibilities that come with high-trust roles and has demonstrated a consistent ability to lead with fairness and resolve. That’s what this role demands. Someone who has proven ability and who can lead by example as he has demonstrated during his six years as Secretary for Corrective Services.”

According to Hunter, the new Police Commissioner’s appointment reflects the importance of placing the right people in positions of public trust – “leaders who are not only operationally capable, but who model the standards of integrity and service expected by the public”.

“The Cook Islands Police Services is staffed by over 100 employees and therefore, when compared to Corrective Services, it is significantly larger and has its own complexities and challenges,” Hunter noted.

“In saying that, however, during his tenure as Secretary for Corrective Services, Mr Joseph has proven to be a very capable and competent Ministry Head and to that end, his progression to take on the Commissioner of Police post is both logical and deserving.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Brown extended his appreciation to both the Acting Commissioner Akatauira Matapo for his leadership during the transition period and also the retiring previous Commissioner Turepu James Keenan for his tenure.

Keenan, who led the Cook Islands Police Service since 2021, did not seek a second term after his contract expired in May 2024.

The Cook Islands Police said in May that they were understaffed by 30-40 officers. The situation has not changed.

Last year, Government established a review panel to assess the Cook Islands Police Service, identify areas for improvement, and develop a strategic plan for the future, with the aim of appointing a new Police Commissioner who aligned with the Service’s priorities.

The high-level review panel was made up of former police commissioner Tevai Matapo, former head of Ministry for Justice Terry Hagan, and retired senior sergeant Solomona Tuaati.

The panel was tasked to conduct a comprehensive review of the Police Service and also develop a strategic plan to address areas requiring improvement and further development. 

“The findings of the review will play a key role in informing the qualities and skills required for the new Police Commissioner, ensuring that the appointment aligns with the strategic priorities of the Service moving forward,” the Office of the PM said in October 2024.

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