FPPP Committee Meeting

The first Fiji Police Partnership Program (FPPP) Executive Steering Committee Meeting was held at the Fiji Police Headquarters in Suva yesterday.

The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of Police Itendra Nair and discussions revolved around the progress of the FPPP 2022/2023 work plan and Phase 2 of the Program from 2023 – 2025.

The FPPP funded by the New Zealand Government New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Duavata Partnership Agreement is committed to expanding practical bilateral and regional cooperation in defence, policing, border security, cyber security, and intelligence through deeper knowledge sharing and more regular exchanges, and shared training and operation.

The FPPP which is also supported by the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji is aimed at enhancing the capacity and capabilities of the Fiji Police Force across the four outputs of;

1. Development of Investigative Interviewing capability

2. Development of General Patrol Dog capability (K9)

3. Asset Recovery Support

4. Development of Leadership & Governance capability Notable progress and achievements highlighted by the New Zealand Police Team Leader Senior Advisor (S.A) Mark Pakes included;

i) Training and upskilling of more than 500 investigators developing investigative and interviewing techniques

ii) Specialized training of eight K9 officers at the New Zealand Dog Training Centre

iii) Leadership training development at various levels

iv) Strengthening investigative capabilities towards asset recovery

v) Strengthening gender responsive initiatives The Deputy Commissioner said the partnership between the two organizations continues to grow in strength, and testament to that are the programs conducted beyond the scope of the partnership as outlined in the four thematic areas.

DCP Nair referenced achievements such as the inaugural Fiji Police Women’s Excellence Awards, support towards the setting up of the National Police Command and Control Centre in partnership with the Australian Federal Police, support towards PINKTOBER commemorations and many more.

DCP Nair said the team is eager to get Phase 2 underway and assured the forum of the Fiji Police’s continued support.

Also in attendance were the Director International Relations SSP Ulaiasi Ravula, Director Training and Education A/SSP Aseri Nakibo, Director Legal SSP Rajesh Krishna, Deputy Director Organised Crime SP Aiyaz Ali, Officer in Charge K9 Unit ASP Patrick Low, ASP Jonati Daucakacaka, IP Jekope Latu and IP Solomoni Kiniboi.

The New Zealand Police delegation consisted of International Services Group Director Superintendent Steve Dunn, Team Leader Senior Advisor Mark Pakes, S.A. Michele Gillespie and New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji Second Secretary (Political) Mr Jonathan Martin.