With over 40 years of service, Akatauira Matapo has been reappointed as the Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Police Commissioner Turepu James Keenan announced the reappointment this week.

The Deputy Commissioner says he is pleased to be continuing his role as an experienced policeman who has been around the police force for a long time.

According to Cook Islands Police, Matapo tends to take things in his stride and is a very level-headed person with clear intent about what needs to be done in terms of policing and its development.  

He said the challenges he faces are multi-layered as the responsibilities cover the spectrum of police work. He is also involved in budgeting matters and signing off on financial issues.  

Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt said the Deputy Commissioner (DC) takes a keen role in the oversight of the Prosecution Office, the consideration of licenses and permits, and chairs the licensing authority.  

He is actively working with the Commissioner daily and is concerned with the organisation’s functionality.  

“In that respect, the DC is consistently pursuing the required levels of standard and commitment by staff. He quite often provides reminders about the need to fill the gaps and sustain integrity in files, and procedures. He therefore symbolises an effective and steady helmsman for the organisation,” Pitt said.

Pitt adds it is no surprise then that DC Matapo views this career as one where individuals, and especially young ones, can be encouraged – “they’re stepping into an important service that benefits the entire community”

Matapo said: “Police work and the success of it will therefore depend on the support, cooperation, and help of those very people.”

His re-appointment was made by Order in Executive Council, for another term of two years.