Twenty officers from the Samoa Police, Prisons, and Corrections Services (S.P.P.C.S) have successfully completed a two-week intensive training in bicycle patrol operations. This training, part of the Bicycle Patrol Officers Program (B.P.O.P), was designed to impart essential skills and knowledge required for efficient bicycle patrolling.
Organised by the Australian Federal Police (A.F.P.), the B.P.O.P encompassed both theoretical and practical exercises covering diverse techniques and strategies. A significant highlight of this training was the introduction of a trainers training model. Detective Superintendent Daniel Evans, the Senior Responsible Officer of the Samoa Australia Police Partnership, emphasised that this marked the first time the trainer trainee model was implemented, even though similar trainings had been conducted before. Three officers, having graduated from this program, are now primed to act as local trainers, ensuring the sustainability of the program in Samoa.
Superintendent Evans expressed his gratitude towards the Samoa Police for their unwavering trust in the A.F.P. He also recognised the daily efforts of the bicycle patrol officers who diligently ensure safety on Samoa’s roads. A.F.P. trainers, Leading Senior Constable Clint Gordon and Leading Senior Constable Allan Young, were specially acknowledged for their expertise and dedication.
This training is a manifestation of the ongoing partnership between the Samoa Police and the Australian Federal Police, with a focus on bolstering skills and capabilities. An immediate application of these enhanced skills will be at the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (C.H.O.G.M.) that Samoa is slated to host next year. In tandem with this partnership, the A.F.P. has committed to revamping the uniforms, ensuring the bicycles’ high standard is retained, and procuring essential safety equipment.
Highlighting the importance of the occasion, Samoa’s Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, announced the introduction of 8 recon power bike interceptor e-bicycles. These bikes can touch speeds of up to 45km/h and come equipped with police lights and service bags. The Australian Government’s generosity extends beyond this, as their sustained support has been pivotal in capacity building within the Samoa Police.
Emphasising the value of the newly acquired assets, Commissioner Auapaau urged the officers to use and maintain them with utmost care, ensuring their longevity and benefit to the community.
On behalf of the Government of Samoa, the Minister of Police, Honourable Faualo Harry Schuster, and the entire ministry, Commissioner Auapaau extended heartfelt gratitude to the Australian Government and its citizens for their steadfast support through the Samoa Australian Police Partnership.
