Investigators in Fiji are receiving specialized training in interviewing children, using Video Recorded Interview (VRI) rooms, as part of the Fiji Police Partnership Programme (FPPP) with New Zealand Police.
The FPPP involves senior New Zealand Police Liaison officers collaborating with Fiji Police to enhance work in four key areas: Training, Leadership, Dog Patrol, and Investigation. This partnership has led to considerable progress in training and capacity building, highlighted by the recent launch of the Child Interview Course.
Once the training is completed, investigators will be equipped to conduct child interviews on video, allowing these recordings to be used as evidence in court. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci emphasized the importance of this training, stating, “Through this training, we can avoid children from being re-victimised.”
Raikaci acknowledged the global issue of child suffering and the risks of crime and sexual violence that affect children in Fiji daily, as shown in monthly statistics. He stressed that while they handle reports of such cases, effective investigations are equally crucial in proactive policing. Proper investigations that lead to successful prosecutions can send a strong deterrent message.
He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Fiji Police Force to the New Zealand Police for their support in enhancing investigative interviewing skills through the implementation of VRI rooms.