Investigators are receiving specialized training for interviewing children using Video Recorded Interview (VRI) rooms, a program initiated by the New Zealand Police as part of the Fiji Police Partnership Programme (FPPP).
This partnership sees senior officers from New Zealand working alongside the Fiji Police to enhance their work across four main areas: Training, Leadership, Dog Patrol, and Investigation.
Significant progress has been made through this collaboration, with the latest milestone being the launch of the Child Interview Course. Once the training is completed, investigators will be equipped to conduct child interviews using video recordings that can be submitted as evidence in court.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci emphasized the importance of this training, stating it helps prevent the re-victimization of children. He highlighted the harsh reality that millions of children globally are vulnerable to crime and sexual violence, a risk that also exists for children in Fiji, as evidenced by recent statistics.
Raikaci noted that while they handle reports of incidents, thorough investigations are crucial. Successful prosecutions stemming from proper investigation practices serve as a strong deterrent against crime. He expressed gratitude to the New Zealand Police for their support in enhancing the investigative interviewing skills of Fiji’s police officers through the use of VRI facilities.