The theme for the conference was “Local issues, local solutions, regional cooperation” and was hosted and chaired by the Australian Federal Police.
FSM Chief of National Police Pius Chotailung, attended this conference.
The conference was officially opened by AFP Commissioner Tony Negus, who stated in his opening address that it was important for jurisdictions in the Pacific to take a whole-of-government approach at a national level, as well as cooperate between jurisdictions, to fight transnational crime.
Policing the Pacific often presents unique challenges.
Forums such as the PICP promote regional cooperation in addressing the criminal environment, managing emergencies and disasters, and policing in general.
During the conference a range of issues were discussed including criminal deportees and their impact on Pacific nations, sharing of information and data regionally, police forensic support, and youth issues.
The conference had presentations from Tongan Police Force Commander Chris Kelley, relating to the sinking of the Princess Ashika Ferry in 2009; and from Samoan Police Force Commissioner Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo, relating to the tsunami tragedy in Sept. 2009.
These presentations highlighted the importance of agency and international coordination in disaster response.
It provided the opportunity for Pacific nations to share lessons learnt in responding to these types of incidents.
The chiefs took part in a workshop and began work on developing a set of broad principles that would guide them and their organizations when dealing with disasters and emergencies.
The chiefs further endorsed the work of the Pacific Police Domestic Violence Program and the work it has completed over the last four years.
The outgoing chairman, Commissioner Gari Baki of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, awarded the chairman’s award for outstanding service to Police Officer 1 Virginia Gay Umayan from the Bureau of Public Safety in Palau.
The award recognized her commitment and outstanding service in the area of public safety and transport reform.
It also acknowledged her exceptional performance and dedication to the United Nations Mission in Darfur while deployed in 2008 and 2010.
The Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police will meet again in the Federated States of Micronesia in 2011.
