Last week police from Samoa, Australia and New Zealand took part in a scoping visit in Samoa. The scoping visit identified areas of assistance to build the capacity and systems of Samoa Police to respond effectively to issues of public disorder.

A series of recent violent village incidents prompted a request from the Government of Samoa for assistance to improve the Samoa Police public order management capability.

The visiting team wanted to gain a clear understanding of the capability of the Samoa Police to respond effectively to public disorder. Another key aim was identifying potential areas to build Samoa Police capacity to respond effectively and safely to public disorder and incidents involving firearms.

Particular emphasis of support was twofold: first, the team sought to assist Samoa Police in the development of appropriate policies, training and practices relating to public order management and the use of force options; and second, it sought to develop an understanding of Samoa Police development needs so that police from Australia and New Zealand can work collaboratively with other partners to build capability of Samoa Police appropriately in these areas.

“Maintaining public order in situations involving large numbers of people is an essential role for all police forces. Police officers from Samoa, Australia and New Zealand are looking at ways in which our public order management capability may be strengthened in the future. This is an important partnership, formed for an important reason, and I thank the Australian and New Zealand Governments for their ongoing assistance.�?, said Samoa Police Service Commissioner, Lilomaiva Suemalo Fou Taioalo.

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