Cook Islands Police Commissioner Teokotai Joseph has acknowledged the Cook Islands Police Service for holding the fort in the last 10 months with the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Akatauira Matapo despite the negative criticism they have received.

Commissioner Joseph who was formally handed the Commissioner’s baton by Prime Minister Mark Brown at a welcoming parade yesterday echoed a message to the Police team, “I appreciate the way that you have held the fort despite the negative criticism. That is part of life.

“But we, as a police force, need to uphold the standard and the ethical behaviour of the police. This is a new dawn, this is a new era.”

He called on the police force to work together as a team for the safety of the people.

“I hear you and I am here asking you, let us work together to bring the standard of the Cook Island Police back to number one within the region,” Commissioner Joseph added.

Prime Minister Mark Brown who is also the Minister for Police said Commissioner Joseph is no stranger to the demands of high trust roles.

Brown said that Commissioner Joseph was a former police officer, and the career path of many police takes them out of the police service to serve in other roles in government. However, it was a pleasure to be able to bring one of them back into the police force.

“As a former policeman and most recently as the Secretary of Corrective Services, he brings a value-based leadership style. He also brings depth and he brings proven performance as a head of ministry.”

Brown said the appointment followed a competitive and transparent process led by the Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter and was formally endorsed by King's Representative Sir Tom Marsters.

“Commissioner Joseph is the right person at the right time to lead our Police Service into a new chapter - one that demands discipline, integrity and a stronger connection with our people.”

He said the last few years have tested the Police Service with staff shortages, retention challenges and gaps in operational performance and in some cases eroded public confidence.

“But today we turn the page. Commissioner Joseph's foremost task will be to restore public trust by rebuilding the principles of policing by consent. A model rooted in partnerships with the community, not with power over it.”

Brown said the police are more than just law enforcement, they are the stewards of peace, they are the protectors of rights and they are the servants of people.

“Their legitimacy comes not just from a badge alone but from how they uphold fairness, dignity and justice in our communities. This role must be modelled from the top and I am confident that Commissioner Joseph will lead by example.

“This is more than an appointment; it is a moment of transformation. We look ahead with a sense of purpose, knowing that the strength of our institutions begins with leadership that is grounded in service to the public, humility and integrity.”

He called on the police officers to continue wearing their uniform with pride, “The people you serve are counting on you.”