Australian Federal Police (AFP) members have returned home after working closely with Samoa Police, Prisons and Correction Services to ensure a secure and successful 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia.
AFP officers and technical specialists deployed to Samoa for CHOGM as part of the newly-formed Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG), alongside officers from Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, funded through Samoa’s Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation.
AFP Commander Phillipa Connell praised Samoa Police’s extensive operation, calling it “a credit to their capability and planning” in safeguarding VIPs, delegates, and the community. She acknowledged the 15-year partnership with Samoa Police, highlighting the collaborative efforts in capability building, infrastructure support, and training.
Samoa Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo emphasised the Pacific law enforcement community’s unity during CHOGM.
“Bringing the PPSG to Samoa has shown the strength of our regional partnerships,” he said, expressing gratitude to the AFP for its continuous support.
The PPSG, established at the Pacific Islands Forum in August, serves as a rapid-deployment police force to bolster security across the Pacific during major events and crises.
This inaugural deployment brought together over 40 officers from 11 Pacific nations under the guidance of Samoa Police, with leadership from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.
Beyond personnel, AFP’s assistance included tactical training, a new Emergency Radio Network, the Safer City CCTV Network, and an Operations Centre, alongside donations of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and first aid kits to Samoa Police’s Traffic Unit.
This ongoing support marks a milestone in the 15-year AFP-Samoa Police Partnership (SAPP), dedicated to fostering regional security and collaboration for the future.
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