Fiji is among 22 countries in the Pacific with dedicated units for tackling transnational crime. Jodie Hurley, a senior officer with the Australian Federal Police Pacific Command, praised the Fiji Police Force for its strong commitment to combating such criminal activities, highlighting the allocation of resources to four specialized units.
Hurley spoke during the launch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, “Transnational Organised Crime in the Pacific: Expansion, Challenges, and Impact,” held in Suva. She noted the challenges posed by limited resources in this vital area.
Across the Pacific region, there are a total of 29 transnational crime units spread across the 22 participating countries. Hurley emphasized the Australian Government’s support and sponsorship for the Pacific Islands Transnational Organised Crime Units through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The importance of threat assessment was underscored, with Hurley stating that a better understanding of the conditions allows for insights into why transnational organized crime syndicates target certain areas and regions. This comprehension aids Pacific leaders in designing policies and implementing responses to disrupt such criminal activities.
She highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among domestic and international law enforcement, government bodies, and non-government organizations to create an unfriendly environment for transnational organized crime.
According to Hurley, gathered information is crucial for enhancing comprehension of regional transnational crime threats and devising strategies to combat them. She stated that the remaining program outcomes would enable specific discussions about these threats and identify effective methods to mitigate them.
Concluding, she emphasized the strength of unity in the fight against crime, stating that collaborative initiatives would bolster the safety and wellbeing of communities throughout the Pacific.