The AFP and Samoa Police have launched significant national security upgrades for a safer and more secure Samoa in the lead up to next week's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting being held in the Pacific nation, and beyond.
The AFP has funded a new state-of-the-art Emergency Radio Network (ERN) through the Samoa-Australia Police Partnership (SAPP) to ensure first responders can communicate effectively in times of crisis.
The ERN includes 13 physical sites located around Samoa and replaces the original network first established in 2009.
The new system allows Samoa Police, Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Samoa hospital, the Red Cross, National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and other key emergency services to immediately communicate with each other without having to invest in separate systems.
AFP technical specialists travelled to Samoa to work alongside Samoan radio technicians to install and rollout the new system.
The AFP and Samoa Police also launched the Safer City CCTV Network to further improve crime prevention and community safety.
A total of 16 new CCTV cameras installed across Samoa's capital, Apia, will provide real-time monitoring to allow Samoa Police to quickly respond to criminal activities.
The Samoa Police Operations Centre was recently renovated to enable the monitoring of the Safer City CCTV Network and facilitate the effective deployment of police resources across Samoa.
The AFP will continue to provide training and technical support for these projects over the next three years as part of the AFP-Samoa Police Technical Partnership announced earlier this year.
AFP Detective Superintendent Dan Evans said the initiatives would help Samoa police as the country prepares to host CHOGM.
"This partnership is not just about funding; it's about people and ensuring that every Samoan can feel secure in their home, their streets, and their communities," Detective Superintendent Evans said.
"Our aim is to ensure Samoa Police have the tools they need to protect and empowering their citizens to thrive in a safe environment.
"Together we are building a brighter future where Samoa Police's emergency response capabilities are strong, communities are secure, and our partnerships are unbreakable."
Samoa Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said the new Emergency Radio Network and Safer City CCTV Network were proactive initiatives focused on community safety and crime prevention.
"These projects are designed to ensure the safety of our citizens and visitors by giving our police the advantages that technology such as this provides," Commissioner Filipo said.
"Together with the AFP, Samoa Police is laying the groundwork for CHOGM, which means increased and security benefits for all Samoans into the future."
