FIJI will host a Regional Centre of Excellence in operational field forensics under the Pacific Policing Initiative.
This is a key component of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the Fiji Police Force and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The MOU was signed between Fiji Police Commission Rusiate Tudravu and AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw during a recent meeting.
In a statement, Police confirmed AFP would support uplifting Fiji Police projects.
This include enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated operations on priority crime issues, leadership development, and corporate support.
“The AFP will also provide strategic advisers to be embed within the FPF to assist across multiple capabilities including intelligence gathering, human resources and strategic operational planning,” police stated.
“As part of the agreement, the FPF has committed to hosting a Regional Centre of Excellence in operational field forensics under the Pacific Policing Initiative.
“The Regional Centre of Excellence will be built to enhance FPF’s forensic capabilities through delivery of specialist police training and operational support.
“The centre will focus on enhancing and training members in world leading forensic techniques.”
Commissioner Kershaw said the AFP has had members posted to Fiji as liaison officers and advisers for more than 20 years.
“The embedding of AFP Strategic Advisers is a continuation of this mutual commitment to help ensure safety and security in the Pacific,” Mr Kershaw said. “The AFP is incredibly proud to continue decades of partnership and to deliver such a significant milestone in our efforts to support and enhance policing operations in the Pacific region.”
Mr Tudravu welcomed the partnership agreement, calling it a “new dawn”.
“The longstanding partnership…has always been based on respect and the shared understanding that we are stronger when working together under the Pacific spirit of solesolevaki in protecting our Pacific region from the growing threats of transnational crime,” he said.