Stakeholder meet to discuss challenges

A two day workshop held last week was aimed at enhancing networking and awareness between regional law enforcement all working towards the common goal of border protection.

The workshop facilitated by the New Zealand Transnational Crime Unit (TCU) and the Australian Federal Police focused on Gang Awareness and emerging security threats at our borders.

Opening the workshop was the Director of Training and Education, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Serupepeli Neiko who thanked the facilitators for convening the workshop following discussions held last year between various stakeholders.

"A lot has been said about working together and when we want to see it in action, it doesn't work and this platform will hopefully strengthen networking amongst our agencies,” said SSP Neiko. SSP Neiko reminded the participants of what was at stake. "The word gang means teaming up and they won't care about any legislation that is here in the country.

All they care about is further dealings of their illicit business. We can’t work in isolation and need to come together to discuss issues”.

The workshop consisted of officers from the Fiji Police Force, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and the Fiji Immigration Department. SSP Neiko has encouraged participants to establish contacts for the sake of strengthening border and law enforcement approaches.