Samoa Police officers completed specialist tactical group training with the Australian Federal Police in Canberra last month.

This training is part of Samoa's efforts to strengthen its operational readiness ahead of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled for October.

The Samoa Police Tactical Operations Section (TOS) collaborated with the Australian Federal Police's Tactical Response Team (TRT) on specialist first response training.

This training aimed to address operational risks ahead of CHOGM and enhance the capacity and capability of Samoa Police.

Samoa Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, said the training continued to enhance Samoa Police's capability ahead of CHOGM.

"This training also reflects the 15 years of partnership with the AFP that has grown and strengthened into what it is today," Commissioner Filipo said.

"The advancement in tactical policing ahead of CHOGM improves our ability to deliver the event but also safety and security to the people and communities of Samoa on a daily basis."

It was conducted as part of the Samoa Australia Police Partnership (SAPP), marking 15 years of collaboration between the AFP and Samoa Police.

Ten TOS officers participated in various drills and scenarios focused on the tactical resolution of high-risk incidents in preparation for the Commonwealth event.

CHOGM is the Commonwealth's main political meeting, held every two years.

It provides a forum for leaders to discuss global economic, environmental, and security challenges and explore ways to address them collectively.

AFP Detective Superintendent, Daniel Evans, said the training provided by the AFP's Tactical Response Team would support interoperability and capability of the Samoa Police ahead of CHOGM.

"The valuable skills and insights members of Samoa's Police's Tactical Operations Section have gained while in Australia will ensure they are equipped and ready for any scenario ahead of CHOGM," Detective Superintendent Evans said.

"The AFP is committed to providing ongoing support to the Samoa Police and Samoa Government ahead of CHOGM by providing advice, funding and access to AFP capability and training.

"We look forward to working alongside our Samoa Police colleagues to deliver a safe and successful event."