Officers from Samoa’s Police Tactical Operations Section (TOS) completed a round of specialist training with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Canberra last month. The training is part of preparations for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), set to take place in Samoa in October.
The TOS officers, working alongside members of the AFP’s Tactical Response Team (TRT), focused on first response techniques aimed at managing high-risk incidents. The training, delivered through the Samoa Australia Police Partnership (SAPP), marks 15 years of cooperation between the AFP and Samoa Police. A total of 10 officers participated in the drills, which included various tactical scenarios designed to strengthen operational readiness ahead of the high-profile event.
The AFP has been working closely with Samoa over the past two years to ensure the police force is fully equipped to handle the demands of CHOGM. This recent training complements a tactical communications programme undertaken in April as part of broader efforts to bolster Samoa’s security infrastructure.
AFP Detective Superintendent Daniel Evans said the training would enhance the interoperability between the two forces. “The skills gained by Samoa’s police will ensure they are ready for any scenario ahead of CHOGM,” he said.
Samoa Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo acknowledged the importance of the training, noting that it also boosts Samoa’s general policing capabilities. “This training improves our ability to deliver security for CHOGM and enhances daily safety for Samoa’s communities,” he said.
During their time in Canberra, the TOS officers and AFP members visited the National Police Memorial, where they laid a wreath in memory of Samoa Police Senior Sergeant Peniamina Perite, who was killed in the line of duty last month.
CHOGM, held every two years, brings together leaders from across the Commonwealth to discuss global economic, environmental, and security challenges. This will be the first time Samoa has hosted the event.
