AFP holds forensic fire training
IN a bid to enhance the Fiji Police Force’s fire investigation processes, a team of officers is participating in a Australian Federal Police (AFP) Regional Forensic Fire Training at the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service training centre.
Officiating at the opening on Monday, Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew said Fiji’s commitment to supporting regional training efforts remained steadfast.
“I understand that forensic teams from across the AFP have been preparing for this regional-focused specialist training to ensure Pacific nations are equipped with the skills and equipment to examine fire scenes with the aim of delivering best practice training for the highest level outcomes for us, as Pacific policing partners,” he said.
“This level one training aims at delivering proficiency to investigate various elements of arson cases with the intent of enhancing our investigative approaches.
“When we talk about a case of fire, our immediate response or reaction is ‘Fire Authority’. They are trained in this and while in most of our investigation processes we await their expert findings, it does not however absolve us completely from taking a serious approach with our investigations.
“The opportunity to work closely with AFP forensic experts who will share their experiences, knowledge of fire investigation is truly appreciated.”
Australian Federal Police senior officer Adrian Morton said the AFP brought in the best practice experts to conduct the training.
“This course is a high level course and provides a substantial level of expertise,” he said.
“What this will do is to provide a best practice solution and expertise within each of your police forces and the fire service to enable better partnership.”
Eight officers from the Fiji Police Force Forensic Unit, one from the National Fire Authority and 11 from Tuvalu, Nauru, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Samoa are taking part in the training.
The training is expected to run for two weeks.