50th Anniversary with INTERPOL
Earlier this week on the 6th of September 2021, the Fiji Police Force commemorated the 50th Anniversary of its partnership with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).
Fiji has been an active contributor towards INTERPOL’s efforts in strengthening global police cooperation since becoming a member on the 6th of September 1971.
A partnership formalized in Ottawa, Canada during the 11th INTERPOL General Assembly and therefore designated as INTERPOL National Central Bureau of Fiji.
Fiji’s INTERPOL NCB an important arm of the organization assisting in capacity building, the collation and dissemination of intelligence and investigative information to the Fiji Police and other NCB's and the INTERPOL General Secretariat.
The Bureau also coordinates, communicates and acts as a liaison on behalf of the Fiji Police Force with key local and international agencies on security and criminal matters.
The 50-year partnership has seen the secondment of Fijian Police Officers to the INTERPOL Secretary General's office in Lyon, France.
The two were former Assistant Superintendent of Police [ASP] Sosefo Savea and Senior Research Officer Mr Robert Turaga.
In 2012, a historical milestone was achieved, with the visit of the INTERPOL Secretary General, the first since the formalization of the working partnership between Fiji and the inter-governmental organization.
Another major highlight saw the setting up of the I-24/7 INTERPOL information system in 2004 which was initially only accessed by the Fiji Police Force.
Later the services were extended to key border security enforcement agencies enhancing capabilities of accessing real time information shared by more than 190 member countries.
The Fiji Police Force over the years has received technical and operational support offered by the inter-government organization and member countries targeting specific needs based on the evolving global policing landscape.
Recognizing Fiji’s role in regional policing, INTERPOL has also used Fiji as it’s point of regional training deliveries.
Fiji has also facilitated arrests and extradition of individuals communicated through red alerts issued by INTERPOL.
With the growing threat of transnational crimes and the Pacific region being vulnerable to organized crime syndicates taking advantage of its geographical challenges, the global cooperation platform provided by INTERPOL continues to be vital in strengthening Fiji’s efforts in identifying, investigating and preventing transnational and organized crimes in Fiji and the Pacific region.
The Fiji Police Force in recognizing its supporting role to its fellow Pacific law enforcement partners is grateful for INTERPOL’s technical support and services to enhance its capabilities to effectively tackle emerging global policing challenges assisting efforts in making the Fiji and Pacific region safer.
