The Fiji Police Force has boosted their Fiji Patrol Dog capabilities after the graduation of three Fijian Police officers from the New Zealand Police Narcotics Detector Dog Handlers Course as certified Narcotics, Cash and a first for the Fiji Police K9 Unit, certified firearm detector Dog handlers.
Corporal Niumaia Lawanicina, Police Constable Ilimeleki Lèweiloma and Police Constable Sailasa Kerekere attended a one-month NZ Police Narcotic Detector Dog Handlers course at the NZ Police Dog Training Centre in New Zealand.
While welcoming back the officers, Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew acknowledged them for making the Force proud and said that before they left for the course in New Zealand, they were reminded that they were not only representing the Fiji Police but their families and nation and they have done everyone proud.
Chew also acknowledged the NZ Police for their continued assistance with the K9 unit as our officers are able to expand their capabilities.
He says this is the power of partnerships, as the Fiji Police Force cannot work in isolation and partnership is the way to go as they work together for the betterment of the people of Fiji and the Pacific.
New Zealand Police Senior Advisor and Fiji Police Partnership Programme Team leader Mark Pakes says there are now greater expectations now that these officers have done the training to see what’s next, and how they lift those standards to raise the bar for what the Fiji Dog team.
As part of the partnership programme, NZ Police have also provided the K9s that the officers had trained with.
One of the K9s will complete its mandatory quarantine period and will begin operations next Monday.
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