Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander Geoff Turner has been designated as the new Police Commissioner of Tonga, with plans for him to be sworn in on May 12, 2025. This decision follows the conclusion of Commissioner Shane McLennan’s three-year tenure, which will be formally acknowledged with a farewell parade on May 9.
King Tupou VI endorsed Turner’s appointment, which came after a thorough selection process overseen by the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel of the Privy Council. Turner’s background includes a rich law enforcement career that began with the Royal New Zealand Navy before he moved to Australia in 1990. He joined the AFP, taking on roles that spanned general duties in Canberra to significant investigations focused on drug and organized crime in Sydney.
Turner brings with him extensive international experience, having worked with the United Nations in various conflict zones, including Cyprus, East Timor, and Afghanistan. Notably, he served as a Detective Inspector in Afghanistan as part of AFP’s Operation Illuminate. His academic qualifications are impressive, including degrees in Business and Policing, along with master’s degrees in Business Management and Anti-Money Laundering.
His appointment is in line with Tonga’s ongoing tradition of engaging seasoned international officers to steer its police force, a strategy aimed at strengthening reform and building capacity within the national police.
This development underscores Tonga’s commitment to enhancing its law enforcement capabilities through experienced leadership. As Tonga proceeds with this transition, there is optimism that Turner’s expertise will contribute positively to the ongoing efforts to build a robust and effective police service.
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