The Ministry of Police and Prison wants to be one step ahead, when it comes to dealing with gangs, despite not having such activity in Samoa.
In doing so, the New Zealand Transnational Crime Unit (NZTCU) in partnership with the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre (PTCCC) conducted a gang awareness workshop for Samoan Law Enforcement yesterday.
Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo told Radio Polynesia that it is time for law enforcement agencies in Samoa to be aware of what to expect when it comes to gang activities and how to deal with them as they have already started their movement into the Pacific.
“Our people who are RSE workers are now exposed to this kind of gang activities in New Zealand.
“We also have our own people deported back from New Zealand who may have been involved in these kinds of activities hence seeking assistance from New Zealand as they have first-hand experiences and sharing it with the local agencies to assist us,” said Auapa’au.
During the meeting yesterday, Deputy Commissioner Lafaitele Herbert Aati acknowledged the multi-agency presence and reminded those present of the importance of working together to keep Samoa Safe”.
The workshop had attendees from various Samoan Law enforcement agencies which included Custom Agents.
