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Pago Pago, American Samoa — Governor Pulaaliʻi Nikolao Pula has appointed Commander Lauti Tautalasoʻo Moliga as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Commander Moliga took charge of the Department in July 2026.
A career DPS officer
Commander Moliga has served with DPS for more than three decades. He rose through the ranks to Lieutenant, Captain and Major, and was promoted to Commander in 2025. Along the way he also trained fellow officers as an instructor.
Before this appointment he commanded the Executive Detail Division, the unit that provides security for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. His work in executive protection goes back to the administration of Governor Togiola Tulafono.
Military service
Commander Moliga served in the U.S. Army Reserve and deployed to Iraq on active duty. He was honorably separated at the rank of Sergeant and received several commendations, including the Purple Heart.
Leadership transition
The appointment follows the resignation of former Commissioner Taʻaga Saite Moliga in May 2026. Deputy Commissioner Faʻalanaʻipupu Taʻase Sagapolutele served as Acting Commissioner in the interim. In July, the Governor also submitted Commander Moliga’s nomination to the Fono to serve as Commissioner of Public Safety.
Source: Samoa News, “Governor appoints head of his security detail as Acting Police Commissioner” (July 14, 2026) and “Career police officer nominated to head Public Safety” (July 21, 2026).