Fiji Police Force (FPF) has signed a new agreement with Australian Federal Police (AFP) aimed at supporting cross-border operations and law enforcement cooperation in the Pacific.
The agreement also allows for AFP to provide strategic advisers to embed within the FPF to assist across multiple capabilities including intelligence gathering, human resources and strategic operational planning.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the agreement signalled a new era of support which continued the successful collaboration between police in both Fiji and Australia.
“The AFP has had members posted to Fiji as liaison officers and advisors for more than 20 years,” he said.
“The embedding of AFP Strategic Advisors is a continuation of this mutual commitment to help ensure safety and security in the Pacific.
“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.”
Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu signing of the new agreement “heralds a new dawn” between FFP and AFP.
“The longstanding partnership between the FPF and AFP 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.
As part of the agreement, Fiji Police will be the host country for a Regional Centre of Excellence in operational field forensics under the Pacific Policing Initiative.
The Regional Centre of Excellence will be built to enhance Fiji Police 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.
The centre will offer specialised training based on priority areas including recruit training, investigations, specialist investigations, operational forensics and analytical forensics
