July 24, 2023
Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services have joined forces with Pacific Law Enforcement Partners and international stakeholders to boost Cybercrime investigations and Awareness skills. The week-long event is part of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) led program, Cyber Safety Pasefika (CSP), focused on cybercrime investigation training and delivering cyber safety education and awareness programs. Giving police members the opportunity to build and boost their capabilities to tackle cybercrime across the region.
This unique program provides law enforcement with the tools and resources needed to remain one step ahead of cybercriminals. It also helps them better protect their citizens from cybercrime threats in the Pacific.
CSP’s awareness and education program enables Pacific police partners to deliver presentations to their communities about safely navigating the digital landscape. Additionally, the program aims to develop some of those partners into trainers in order to assist Pacific police in the future in delivering CSP courses.
The investigation program helps participants understand and investigate cyber and technology-enabled crimes. Pacific police can utilize this training to respond to cyber threats in their unique environments as highlighted by Acting Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga during the opening of the training course.
“This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in this field. You will learn about the different types of cybercrime, the tools and techniques used by cyber criminals and the legal framework to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes”, Leiataua said.
He added, “You will also have the opportunity to develop your problem-solving and analytical skills, and apply them to the real world” Furthermore, he encouraged participants to make the most of the training.
“Blue Pacific can be made safer using the skills and knowledge you gain from this training,” said Leiataua.
AFP Senior Officer Detective Superintendent Daniel Evans reminded law enforcers about collaboration.
“We can only defeat transnational organized crime through the network you build as One Blue Pacific”, said Evans.
Evans concluded, “Participants have a significant responsibility to share what they have learned and to promote education and awareness for the sake of keeping our kids, parents and nations safe”.
The program concluded last Friday with Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services Deputy Commissioner Lafaitele Herbert Aati addressing the participants.
In his remarks, Deputy Commissioner Lafaitele Herbert Aati stressed the importance of educating the public of the rise in cybercrime.
“Keeping people aware is the key to staying ahead in the Pacific region,” Lafaitele emphasized.
Additionally, Lafaitele stated that if 70% to 80% of our communities know cyber effects, this is a success.”
He explained, “It is imperative to work together to ensure a secure and prosperous future for our community.”
Participants’ feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many stating the course was informative and engaging. The course facilitators were delighted to see participants’ enthusiasm and engagement.
The Cyber Safety Pasefika was established by the Pacific Island Chiefs of Police (PICP) in order to raise cyber safety awareness in vulnerable Pacific communities and increasing Pacific police skills in investigating cybercrimes, with the support of the Australian Federal Police through the Pacific Development Program- Regional (PDP-R)
To mark the successful completion of the training course, all participants received their certificates.
The Cyber Safety Pasefika training course saw Pacific participants from Tonga, Tuvalu, Fiji, Kiribati, Tokelau, Nauru and Samoa join this invaluable training.