Officers from Samoa Police have undertaken specialist police tactical group training with the Australian Federal Police in Canberra last month, as Samoa continues to ramp up its operational readiness ahead of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) being held in the Pacific nation in October.
The Samoa Police Tactical Operations Section (TOS) worked closely with members of the AFP's Tactical Response Team (TRT) on specialist first response training to address operational risks ahead of CHOGM and to build capacity and capability.
The training was delivered under the Samoa Australia Police Partnership (SAPP) which this year celebrates 15 years of partnership between the AFP and Samoa Police. Ten TOS officers participated in a range of training drills and scenarios focused on the tactical resolution of high-risk incidents ahead of the major Commonwealth event.
The Samoan officers were provided with insights into the valuable role the AFP TRT plays in major events both in Australia and internationally, along with how the AFP strategically prepares and trains to ensure members deliver a safe and secure high-profile event.
The most recent training opportunity between AFP and the Samoa Police is the latest in the nation's preparations for CHOGM, with AFP working closely with Samoa over the past two years in preparation of the event. The tactical training complements the tactical communications training collaboration in April this year.
CHOGM is the Commonwealth's primary political meeting, which is held every two years and where leaders discuss global economic, environmental and security challenges and how to work together to overcome them.
AFP Detective Superintendent Daniel Evans said the training provided by the AFP's Tactical Response Team would support interoperability and capability of the Samoa Police ahead of CHOGM.
"The valuable skills and insights members of Samoa's Police's Tactical Operations Section have gained while in Australia will ensure they are equipped and ready for any scenario ahead of CHOGM," Detective Superintendent Evans said.
"The AFP is committed to providing ongoing support to the Samoa Police and Samoa Government ahead of CHOGM by providing advice, funding and access to AFP capability and training.
"We look forward to working alongside our Samoa Police colleagues to deliver a safe and successful event."
Samoa Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said the training continued to enhance Samoa Police's capability ahead of CHOGM.
"This training also reflects the 15 years of partnership with the AFP that has grown and strengthened into what it is today," Commissioner Filipo said.
"The advancement in tactical policing ahead of CHOGM improves our ability to deliver the event but also safety and security to the people and communities of Samoa on a daily basis."
While in Canberra, TOS officers and AFP members visited the National Police Memorial where they laid a wreath in memory of Samoa Police Sergeant Peniamina Perite who was killed in the line of duty last month.
