In a ceremony held yesterday, six police dogs and their handlers were honored, marking the successful completion of their training program. This event underscored the strong partnership between Fiji and New Zealand, aimed at enhancing frontline policing and ensuring community safety.
During the ceremony, New Zealand High Commissioner Charlotte Darlow commended the program’s achievements. She noted, “Looking at the dogs and handlers today, I can see the enormous amount of progress that has been achieved. This partnership between humans and dogs results in safer communities at the front line.” Ms. Darlow also highlighted the significance of developing local training capabilities, expressing pride in Fiji’s ability to build its capacity and lessen reliance on New Zealand for training resources.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, underscored the indispensable role of police dogs in boosting law enforcement effectiveness. He remarked on the unique abilities of these dogs in detecting substances that humans may overlook, emphasizing their crucial contribution to identifying drugs and hidden items during operations. He also expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the New Zealand government in training officers and supplying resources.
The initiative now features locally trained canine handlers and assessors, marking a significant advancement in Fiji’s operational independence in policing.
This ceremony reflects a positive step towards enhancing community safety and showcases the commitment of both nations to fostering a more secure environment through effective collaboration and local empowerment. The successful development of in-country capabilities serves not only to strengthen Fiji’s law enforcement but also inspires confidence in the future of public safety in the region.
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