At the Samoa Police Matautu-Tai Training Unit along Beach Road in Apia, officers recently completed a bomb search training program led by three members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on 16 February 2024.
Following the program’s conclusion, 41 officers – including 9 females and 32 males – received certificates of completion during the closing ceremony.
During the ceremony, a Samoan inspector referred to Psalm 124, stressing the importance of divine assistance in their work. He likened their challenges to the biblical tale of David facing the Philistines, suggesting that with faith, daunting tasks can be overcome.
The training program focused on teaching officers methods to inspect vehicles, routes, and buildings to identify potential explosive threats. Led by Detective Sergeant Peter O’Neill and his AFP counterparts, the training provided essential skills and knowledge necessary for enhancing Samoa’s preparedness and response capabilities, especially with the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on the horizon.
The training covered essential aspects such as recognising different types of explosives, systematic search techniques, risk assessment, equipment usage, collaborative exercises, scenario-based simulations, and ongoing education to stay updated on emerging threats and technology.
This comprehensive training equips the officers to handle potential security threats effectively, ensuring community safety.