April 29, 2024
Samoa, April 29th 2024 – The Samoa Police, Prisons, and Corrections Services (SPPCS) proudly announce a momentous step forward in their collaboration with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), marking a significant milestone in regional law enforcement cooperation.
On Monday, 29th April 2024, at the Police Interim Training Facility in Matautu, Samoa, the SPPCS hosted an Ava Ceremony to formally welcome Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan APM, Commander (Cmdr) Pacific, Elias Petropoulos, and the AFP delegation, commemorating the 15th Year Anniversary of the Samoa-Australia Police Partnership (SAPP). The event was attended by esteemed members of the SPPCS Executive, SPPCS Senior Management, and the AFP Advisory Samoa-Australia Police Partnership (SAPP).
Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo extended a warm welcome to Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan APM and the AFP delegation, expressing gratitude for their longstanding partnership. In reciprocation, a token of appreciation was exchanged between the Samoa Police Commissioner and the AFP Assistant Commissioner.
Following the Ava ceremony, a momentous occasion unfolded with the signing of the Training Support Agreement, symbolizing a strengthened commitment between the SPPCS and AFP. This agreement, signed on April 29th 2024, underscores AFP’s dedication to providing training assistance to the newly established Samoa Police Academy, aimed at enhancing the skills and professionalism of law enforcement officers in Samoa.
In conjunction with this collaborative endeavor, the ceremony also celebrated the official inauguration of the Samoa Police Cyber Safety Pasifika (CSP) Computer Training Laboratory. This cutting-edge facility, made possible through joint efforts, will serve as a hub for advancing cyber safety awareness and digital literacy among law enforcement personnel and the broader community in Samoa.
Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan APM of the Australian Federal Police expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its significance in bolstering regional law enforcement efforts. Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo of the Samoa Police, Prisons, and Corrections Services echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership’s pivotal role in advancing law enforcement capabilities and promoting regional security and cooperation.
Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo commented on the relationship between SPPC and AFP as being “A collaboration characterized by mutual respect”, and with a “dedication to excellence.”
Australian High Commissioner H.E. Will Robinson reiterated the shared commitment between Australia and Samoa to supporting democratic institutions and the rule of law. He emphasized the essential role of police forces in achieving this objective and expressed pride in committing to a long-term training program with Samoa Police.
The AFP reaffirms its commitment to fostering enduring partnerships with law enforcement agencies throughout the Pacific, underscoring its dedication to promoting regional security and cooperation.