After watching ET Live, we are able to learn from the Police Chief Auapaau Logoitino Filipo
The tragic death of Detective Sergeant Peniamina Perite during a recent domestic violence incident has thrust the issue of police firearm protocols into the spotlight. The sequence of events leading to this tragedy began on Sunday night when a man was killed by a suspect who believed the victim was having an affair with his wife. This incident, which quickly escalated from a domestic dispute to a murder, highlights the complexities and dangers that police officers face daily.
Police officers from Faleolo and Apia responded to the initial report, securing the perimeter and contacting headquarters as per standard procedure. However, by the time they arrived, the suspect had already fled, setting the stage for the subsequent tragedy.
On Monday, Detective Sergeant Peniamina Perite was killed while attempting to apprehend the suspect. The Police Commissioner explained that, according to protocol, officers are generally unarmed and only carry firearms under special circumstances. The rationale is that people usually cooperate with the police, making firearms unnecessary in most cases, including domestic disputes.
This approach is grounded in the belief that arming police officers could lead to an arms race with the public, endangering both officers and civilians.
However, the Commissioner’s statement raises critical questions about the adequacy of these protocols. When a domestic dispute escalates to murder, should the protocol not adapt to reflect the increased risk? The suspect in this case was not only armed but had already demonstrated a willingness to kill. The fact that officers responded to such a situation unarmed seems, at best, an oversight, and at worst, a gross misjudgment.
This tragic incident is not an isolated case. The Commissioner’s mention of previous police deaths while on duty underscores a pattern of officers facing life-threatening situations without adequate protection. It is clear that a review of current protocols is urgently needed. The policy that restricts officers from carrying firearms during domestic violence cases must be reexamined, especially in situations where the suspect is known to be armed and dangerous.
The reluctance to arm officers stems from a valid concern about escalating violence. However, the primary duty of the police is to protect and serve, and this includes ensuring the safety of their own officers. An officer responding to a known armed suspect should not be left vulnerable due to outdated protocols.
The call for a commission of inquiry into Detective Sergeant Perite’s death is a necessary step toward accountability and reform. It is crucial to investigate whether negligence played a role in the decision to send an unarmed officer to apprehend a known killer. The findings of such an inquiry should inform a comprehensive review and overhaul of police procedures to ensure that officers are adequately equipped to handle the increasing risks they face.
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