The Ministry of Police and Prisons is leading the Government of Samoa’s efforts to replace and ensure the security of the Emergency Radio Network, a critical infrastructure for the safety of Samoa, and the delivery of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings.
Samoa Police, Australia Feredal Police, and other Government stakeholders have been working together to design and implement a new encrypted radio network in time for CHOGM. The AFP has previously advised the Samoa government that they have committed AUD $1.6m (WST $3.2 million) to implement Stage 1 of the new Emergency Radio Network.
The new encrypted ERN will enhance the security of Police communications for CHOGM and to improve radio coverage across the country.
Also, the Ministry of Police and Prisons yesterday accepted nine new Samoa Police motorcycles, which will become the flagship of the Samoa Police Traffic Unit and will play a vital role in traffic operations and escorting dignitaries during CHOGM 2024.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP), through the Samoa Australia Police Partnership (SAPP) also handed over the following equipment valued at over WST $400,000 to the SPPCS in preparation for CHOGM:
- 9 x New Police Motorcycles;
- 18 x Motorcycle Helmets;
- 50 x Motorcycle gloves;
- 100 x portable First Aid Kits; and
- 20 x First Aid Kits for Police premises.
This is part of the AFP’s commitment to support the Samoa Police in their preparation for CHOGM 2024. The AFP is committed to supporting CHOGM, the Samoa Police, and the Government of Samoa via the Samoa Australia Police Partnership (SAPP) through advice, funding, and access to AFP capability and training.
This equipment compliments the training already delivered and planned over the next six months, including:
- Bicycle Police Operations Course;
- Close Personal Protection Train the Trainer;
- Bomb Search Training;
- First Aid Train the Trainer; and
- Drone Pilot Train the Trainer
The First Aid Equipment continues to commit to building the first aid capability in preparation for CHOGM. In July 2022, SAPP funded the training of five Trainers, provided training equipment, and supported Red Cross First Aid accreditation of all members of the Samoa Police.
Samoa Police are thankful for the ongoing partnership with the AFP and work collaboratively on projects that enhance the capability of the Police and work towards maintaining a safe and stable Samoa and Pacific Blue.
