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Pacific Islands Chiefs of PoliceWorking towards "Safe and secure communities for all Pacific Island countries" |
2005 Communiqué34TH PACIFIC ISLANDS CHIEFS OF POLICE CONFERENCEHELD IN FIJI ON 11TH TO 15TH SEPTEMBER 2005 Policing Response to Natural DisastersThe Annual meeting of the 34TH Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police was held in Suva, Fiji from 11 to 15 September 2005. The theme for the Conference was “Policing Response to Natural Disasters”. The Conference agreed to develop a regional plan to manage the police response to natural disasters. The PICP members recognised the importance of preparation through a multi agency response plan, reinforced by local exercises, to prepare for natural disasters. The Members identified a potential international example of best practice which may be suitable to use in the development of the PICP Pacific response plan. The PICP acknowledged that primary responsibility for the management of a police response to a natural disaster rests with the local Police commander and also identified areas where they could act on a regional basis to support their members in these tasks. The delegates recognised the potential for police members who have had overseas service experience, and who were used to operating in foreign environments, being available to provide a first response capability to other members in the event of a major natural disaster. The Pacific Chiefs of Police entered in to an agreement with UNAIDS to deliver a regional programme on HIV/AIDS awareness to police services in the Pacific. This programme is the first regional programme on HIV/AIDS awareness delivered to a disciplined service. The two year programme, funded by UNAIDS, AUSAID and NZAID, will provide awareness and training to a wide range of police members in the region. It also serves as a mechanism for the Chiefs of Police to take a lead both in their communities and regionally, to combat the risk of HIV/AIDS. The Police Chiefs received a briefing from the Commonwealth Secretariat on Human Rights and how they might be incorporated in Police training and procedures. The PICP also agreed to support and to be actively involved in a programme to reduce the impact of domestic violence throughout the region. The Women’s Advisory Network (WAN) reported on the activities of the group and the development of a strategic plan. The conference endorsed the activities of the WAN. The PICP noted the role of the WAN, which works to support women’s issues in policing and advises the Chiefs of Police. PICP also congratulated the WAN on the receipt of an international award for the work of the supporting committee and that individual members had also been recognised for their work in supporting women’s interests in the region. The involvement of Pacific Islands Police in international peacekeeping operations was discussed. The Conference agreed to progress the concept of a regional approach to peacekeeping training, deployments and operations. The Conference supported the further development of existing training and support facilities which would be used to support international peacekeeping by all members. Commander Sinilau Kolokihakaufisi of Tonga, The Chairman for the 33rd Conference, awarded the first Annual Award for service to policing in the region to Inspector Alanrow Banimataku of the Vanuatu Police Force in recognition of his outstanding service as the first Team Leader at the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre (PTCCC), Suva, Fiji from May 2004 to June 2005. Inspector Banimataku’s commitment, leadership and his highly developed personal skills significantly contributed to the long term success of this strategic Pacific law enforcement intelligence centre. The Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police will next meet in Palau in 2006. Archives:
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