The Cook Islands Public Accounts Committee has recommended a full review of the Police Force salary structure with the aim of pay scales being upgraded immediately.
The PAC believed increasing police salaries would help boost morale and motivate officers to "uphold the utmost integrity and retain them in the service for longer".
Constables who have completed recruitment training currently receive a salary of $14,000 a year.
Photo: RNZI / Sally Round
The committee said this should be increased to $20,000.
The recommendations by the Public Accounts Committee scrutiny of the Police Force and the theft by an officer of large sums of money held as evidence in the national police headquarters.
The officer involved was sentenced to two years imprisonment.
The Committee, which is charged with examining public audits, also recommended police strengthen forensic investigation techniques and its recruits training programme.
