AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw joined Pacific Police Chiefs and Commissioners in Tonga last week, further strengthening partnerships with law enforcement agencies across the region.
The law enforcement leaders came together for the 51st Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) conference, where they shared information relating to policing, new initiatives and strategic planning for the future along with committing to continue to work together to build safer and more resilient communities across the Pacific.
The theme of this year's conference was 'Our Blue Pacific on the Global Stage', providing the opportunity for Pacific law enforcement agencies to discuss and showcase the diversity and resilience they can bring to the global stage.
The PICP is the Pacific region's primary organisation that connects the Pacific's diverse police services at a strategic leadership level.
PICP comprises of Chiefs, Commissioners and Directors from 22 Pacific policing jurisdictions and is a forum that enables them to build Pacific policing leadership and collectively navigate regional policing challenges through knowledge, influence and partnerships.
Chair of the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI) Design Steering Group, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Commissioner David Manning updated the Chiefs on the development of the PPI.
Following Pacific leaders' endorsement of the PPI at the Pacific Islands Forum last month, Australia will commit approximately $400 million over five years to ensure the PPI delivers on the aspirations of Pacific countries.
Pacific Police Chiefs and Commissioners are continuing a long history of Pacific police forces working together to strengthen regional peace and security, and to support each other in times of need.
Commissioner Kershaw said the PPI was responding to the needs of Pacific Police Chiefs and their communities.
"The AFP is very proud to be part of the PICP and is honoured to have been endorsed by Pacific Leaders, Police Chiefs and Commissioners to deliver such an important initiative for the Pacific," Commissioner Kershaw said.
"The AFP continues to work closely with our Pacific partners to boost capability to overcome the current and future challenges that threaten to arise across the Pacific.
"Sharing resources and building joint capabilities among Pacific law enforcement agencies is vital for improving the security of communities across the region and for collectively countering evolving regional security threats."
