Tonga: AFP Commander, Geoff Turner, sworn in as Tonga’s new Police Commissioner

On 12 May, Geoff Turner was sworn in as Tonga’s new Police Commissioner at the Police Headquarters in Nuku’alofa. Turner was an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander with experience in drug and organised crime investigations in Sydney. His international experience includes deployments with the United Nations (UN) in Cyprus, Timor-Leste, and Afghanistan. He has held senior roles in intelligence and specialist operations at the AFP, including Acting Assistant Commissioner of Crime at the New South Wales Crime Commission. Separately, Turner opened a two-week Basic Investigations Course at the Tonga Police College in Nuku’alofa.

Assessment: Turner’s appointment as Police Commissioner is a timely intervention amid rising theft, drugs, and organised crime in Tonga. His experience investigating organised crime was almost certainly a central consideration for his appointment. He is very likely to prioritise enhanced anti-drug capabilities through expert training and partnership with Australian and New Zealand police, and the Pacific Policing Initiative.

Sources: “Geoff Turner named Tonga’s New Police Commissioner,” Talanoa o Tonga, April 30, 2025; “Geoff Turner sworn in as Tonga’s new Police Commissioner,” Talanoa o Tonga, May 13, 2025; “Police launch new investigations course amid rising crime,” Talanoa o Tonga, May 20, 2025.