National Police Day in Kiribati Date in the current year: June 20, 2025

Since Kiribati does not have armed forces, it relies on Australia and New Zealand for defense assistance. Thus, the Kiribati Police Service (KPS) is the only disciplined force in the country. The KPS reports directly to the President of Kiribati and is headed by a Commissioner.

The KPS’s mission is to preserve peace and maintain public safety. The KPS is responsible for maintaining law and order, preserving peace, protecting life and property, preventing and detecting crimes, enforcing laws and regulations, escorting and protecting dignitaries on ceremonial occasions, and regulating traffic. The KPS is also responsible for fire and rescue services, as well as managing prisons. Its maritime units perform coast guard functions.

Most KPS personnel are stationed in the capital city of South Tarawa, though there is a police station on each inhabited island. KPS officers are generally unarmed during regular duty hours, reflecting the country’s low crime rate and emphasis on community engagement. They use drill purpose rifles for drills and some officers carry AR-15-style rifles.

In 2023, National Police Day was designated a public holiday in Kiribati. The holiday’s main goal is to recognize the Kiribati Police Service’s contributions and honor police officers who died in the line of duty. The holiday is usually marked by a formal ceremony followed by a parade.