Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander Geoff Turner has been appointed as Tonga’s new Police Commissioner, with his official swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 12, 2025. He will take over from Commissioner Shane McLennan, whose three-year term ends with a farewell parade on May 9.
Turner’s appointment was sanctioned by King Tupou VI following a detailed selection process by the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel of the Privy Council. Originally from New Zealand, Turner began his law enforcement career in the Royal New Zealand Navy before moving to Australia in 1990. He joined the AFP, where he was initially involved in general duties in Canberra and later focused on drug and organized crime investigations in Sydney.
With significant international experience, Turner has worked with the United Nations in diverse conflict zones including Cyprus, East Timor, and Afghanistan, where he served as a Detective Inspector during the AFP’s Operation Illuminate in 2010. His credentials also include degrees in Business and Policing, along with master’s degrees in Business Management and Anti-Money Laundering.
Turner’s appointment aligns with Tonga’s ongoing practice of involving seasoned international officers in leading its police force, a strategy designed to enhance reform and build capacity. This move is indicative of Tonga’s commitment to improving law enforcement standards and public safety through experienced leadership.
As Tonga transitions to this new chapter with Turner leading the police force, there is hope that his expertise and international background will contribute positively to development and reform efforts within the Tonga Police, fostering a safer environment for its citizens.
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