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Micronesia Public Safety Academy is Underway

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): August 17, 2007 - The Micronesia Public Safety Academy, involving police officers from throughout the FSM police agencies, is half way through its twelve-week training program at PATS in Madolenihmw, and is promising favorable progress.

Commenced July 9, 2007, the training has completed the first and second of their training module, and has activated the third module.

Despite starting their day at 5:00 am with a morning run, attending classroom instructions throughout the day, further physical training in the afternoon and studying until 9:00 pm the trainees are handling the workload well, according to FSM National Chief of Police, Pius Chotailug.

Many of the officers at the training have ran a total of 80 miles, an equivalent of running around Pohnpei almost three times.

The Academy was funded by the Pacific Region Policing Initiative (PRPI) with $50,000 plus technical support and was matched by the National Government.

Instructors and staff of the Academy include: Academy Commander, Captain Lino Amor from the National Police, Deputy Commander, Sgt. Patrick Carl from Pohnpei state police, first sergeant, Investigator, Takasy Reim from the National Police and Tactical Officer, Sgt. Charlie Iriarte from Pohnpei Police.

The four Squad Leaders, each from each state include: Tulensa Palik from Kosrea, John Falansur from yap, Esmade Engkichy from Chuuk and Darny Phillip from Pohnpei.

Other training officers are: Martial Arts trainer, Koichi Sakamoto and Academy Advisors, Tim Felon and Donna Wrembeck.

Instrumental in the training also, are the lawyers and staff from the FSM Attorney General and the FSM Public Defenders offices.

The FSM AG's Office wishes to convey their appreciation and thanks to all who have contributed to the program one way or another.

Graduation is September 28, 2007 at PATS.