FIJI FIGHTS TRANSNATIONAL CRIME

28 March 2006  

A new Computer Based Training Centre (CBT) has been opened at the Fiji Police Academy in Suva in a regional effort to counter transnational crime.

The centre, which is a joint venture between the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), was officially opened by the Australian High Commissioner, Ms Jennifer Rawson, AFP, Manager International Network, Federal Agent Tim Morris and the Bangkok UNODC CBT Coordinator John Irvin.

Federal Agent Tim Morris said the new computers will help in the fight with transnational crime.

“The AFP and its regional law enforcement partners identify and investigate transnational crime. We are, as a region, sending a clear and compelling message that the Pacific is not a haven for criminal activity.”

The Suva CBT Centre aims to equip police officers to respond to all forms of transnational crime.

“The Centre will enable Fijian law enforcement officers to undertake training in investigating transnational issues such as money laundering and smuggling,” added Federal Agent Morris.

The training packages available through the CBT Centres are specifically designed to enable law enforcement officials to enhance their skills, knowledge and awareness at their own pace, using state of the art multimedia and interactive computer based law enforcement training packages.

To date, six CBT Centres have been established in the Pacific Region, including Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.

“The programs are specifically designed to address the legal requirements of each country, whilst emphasising the local, regional and global impact of transnational crime and policing.” Federal Agent Morris concluded.