Fiji is set to enhance its law enforcement capabilities with a significant investment of $5 million through the Law Enforcement Cooperation Program (LECP), facilitated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Pacific Command. This funding aims to provide essential training and support to police forces in Pacific island nations, aligning with regional security priorities.
An AFP representative stated that over the past two years, the LECP has allocated close to $5 million towards best-practice training for various Pacific partners, including Fiji. These initiatives focus on areas such as Transnational Serious and Organized Crime (TSOC), drug investigations, and economic crime. Looking ahead, an additional $2.8 million is earmarked for broader regional programs in these crucial areas, planned to be rolled out later this year and into early 2025.
Moreover, the LECP has also contributed $2 million to INTERPOL’s Project Blue Pacific, which aims to strengthen law enforcement abilities across the Pacific in combating organized crime and drug-related issues.
The AFP has expressed its commitment to supporting the Fiji Police Force (FPF) and other Pacific policing agencies by engaging in various regional capacity-building strategies. This includes collaborative mechanisms like the Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation (PCLEC) and the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP). There are also plans in motion for an updated memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at deepening cooperation between the AFP and Fiji’s law enforcement.
Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua praised the ongoing support from development partners like Australia and New Zealand, noting the collaborative efforts to establish regional excellence centers, with one planned to be built in Suva. He expressed optimism regarding the upcoming police reset plan, emphasizing its potential to address regional challenges, particularly those related to drug trafficking.
This funding and cooperation signal a hopeful step towards strengthening law enforcement and enhancing security across Fiji and the broader Pacific region. By fostering collaboration and enabling access to crucial resources, Fiji aims to tackle ongoing challenges in crime and enhance public safety for its citizens and the region.
In summary, the collaborative efforts between Fiji and its international partners, backed by substantial funding, are poised to strengthen the country’s law enforcement capabilities and contribute significantly to regional security initiatives.
Leave a comment