Samoa Police worked with Australian Federal Police to deliver security for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

This CHOGM collaboration was part of a wider regional effort that saw AFP officers and technical specialists deploy to Apia, alongside Pacific police officers, as part of the first Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG).

Samoa's Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo highlighted the importance of this joint effort.

"I am proud that we have been able to bring the Pacific law enforcement family and particularly the PPSG to Samoa for CHOGM," Commissioner Filipo said.

"I am very thankful that the AFP, as they have for 15 years, have supported Samoa beyond our existing partnership with the deployment of specialists and supporting the regions deployments."

The AFP provided assistance through the funding of police from Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu via the Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation (PCLEC).

AFP Commander Phillipa Connell commended the extensive operation.

"The work by Samoa Police to ensure the safety and security of the VIPs, delegates and the community was a credit to their capability and planning," Commander Connell said.

Endorsed at the Pacific Islands Forum in August, the PPSG forms part of the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), a regional strategy to bolster peace and security.

The PPSG is a deployable force designed to assist Pacific nations during major events or crises, enhancing regional collaboration and law enforcement capabilities.

The initial PPSG deployment saw over 40 officers from 11 Pacific countries working under the direction of Samoa Police, with operational leadership from an officer of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

Commander Connell described the deployment as a key step in fostering cooperation and capability among Pacific police forces.

"The first deployment of the PPSG is a significant milestone in an initiative to improve capability and cooperation among Pacific police forces, for the benefit of all Pacific countries."

Beyond personnel support, the AFP provided specialised training, funded a new Emergency Radio Network (ERN) for crisis response, launched the Safer City CCTV Network, and supplied resources such as vehicles, motorcycles, and first aid kits to bolster Samoa Police's capacity.

This collaboration continues under the Samoa Australia Police Partnership (SAPP), which recently marked 15 years of cooperation in operational support and training.