Work on $11m NZ-Fiji Police strengthening program expected to start next month

Work on getting the multi-million dollar New Zealand and Fiji Police Strengthening Program is expected to start next month.

This follows a Zoom meeting with New Zealand Police Inspector Paris Razos, Senior Fiji Police Directors and New Zealand High Commission to Fiji Representatives.

A joint announcement was made by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden in February this year to find new ways to improve the health, well-being and resilience of the people with both agreeing to expand security partnership into policing co-operation.

The New Zealand Government will be investing $11 million over three years into the program.

Fiji Police Director International Relations SSP Ulaiasi Ravula says the first Zoom meeting was to allow the Directors from the Criminal Investigations Department, K9, Training, Corporate Services and Drugs to assist Inspector Razos understand specific needs required in their specialized fields.

The partnership program between the New Zealand Police and Fiji Police will focus on combating transnational crime and enhancing investigative skills.

SSP Ravula says the Fiji Police Force is looking forward to working with Inspector Razos who comes with extensive years of experience in International training development.