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Pacific Islands Chiefs

of Police

Women’s Advisory

Network

NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2017

“Pacific Strength” at 2017

International Women in Law

Enforcement; Conference Cairns

Australia.

Between 17-21 of September, 1153 delegates from 60 countries around the World gathered in Cairns for the International Women in Law Enforcement Conference (IWLEC). The chosen theme “Global Networks: Local Law Enforcement” was selected to highlight the importance of partnerships and celebrate the cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the community around the globe. A side from Australian delegations 67 delegates from 15 Pacific countries attended, including Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, Republic of

Inside this edition:

• 2107 ACWAP Awards • PNG WAN • New Caledonia • Cook Islands Police • Marshall Islands • Seconded Pacific Officer

(SPO) Expressions of Interest OPEN.

• Royal Solomon Islands Police Force

• Constable Cathy Megi- RSIPF Rest in Peace.

• Internship with a difference Fiji/Tuvalu

• NZ Police Central Communications Centre.

• NZ Police Counties/Manukau

• American Samoa • Federated States of

Micronesia • French Polynesia • S.A.R.A- Problem

Solving Model • Tonga Police WAN • Australian Federal Police • International Blue Light-

Fiji. • Guam Police • Merry Christmas!

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Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua & New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga & Vanuatu.

Conference commenced with a parade of nations through the streets of Cairns city. Country flags were carried by female school students and community

group representatives, some who are aspiring to become police officers in the future. The parade was reviewed by the attending Commissioners. Delegates took advantage of the diverse range of key note and plenary session presentations on offer during the 4 days of conference. Presentations that drew considerable interest were on Leadership, Family Violence, and Wellbeing. Delegates should now have received a code to access conference presentations through the Conference website.

2017 ACWAP Awards

The Australasian Council of women in Policing (ACWAP) this year held its 19th Awards ceremony in conjunction with the 2017 International Women & Law Enforcement Conference.

The Excellence in Law Enforcement in the Asia

Pacific Region, sponsored by Tait Communications was awarded to Superintendent Patricia Leta from the Royal Solomon Island Police Force. Patricia has shown outstanding leadership and innovation in implementing the Crime Prevention Strategy in Central Province, Solomon Islands and in her role as the first female Provincial Commander in the Solomon Islands. She is a quiet achiever who just goes about her work and runs a tight ship. She is well respected by her members, both male and female and her province is the best performing province for crime reporting, police discipline and community engagement.

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Photo Right: The

Pacific Island

Scholarship,

sponsored by

Countrywide Austral

provided Senior

Sergeant Va’alele

Tofa, Samoa Police

Service with the

development

opportunity to attend

the IACP 2017 . Left: Sergeant Sareima

Aremwa, Nauru

Police was highly

commended in the

category mentioned above.

_________________________________________________________

Papua New Guinea:

A contingent of 21 Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) attended the recent International Women and Law Enforcement Conference in Cairns. Whilst the majority of the RPNGC women were sponsored, several delegates were self-funded, with two the most junior members spending many months selling food items to raise the funds to attend.

The theme of the conference was ‘Global Networks: Local Law Enforcement’, to highlight the importance of partnerships and celebrate the cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the community around the globe. First Constable Delta Naumi states, “I was one of the privileged selected out of the 83 applicants that applied to attend. On the first day, there was a parade of nations held with police women of various ranks from all over the world lined up in their official uniforms in various colours. There were police women from Africa, India, Pakistan, Great Britain, Samoa, Vanuatu, Myanmar, Cambodia and the list goes on with around 1000 people from over 60 countries participating.” The opening ceremony included a speech from Torres Strait Islander Christine Anu who spoke of her homeland Australia and her Aboriginal heritage, ending by singing her famous song, ‘My Island Home’ which moved many of the attending delegates. The four-day program was jammed packed with key note speakers and optional sessions. The choice was so vast with so many interesting topics to choose from that attendance at all preferred options could not physically be achieved. Constable Charmaine Wagambie is stationed in a remote PNG Province and this was her visit trip outside of PNG. She said, “During the educational sessions given by the guest speakers I learnt a lot, especially from the police women sharing their experiences. It was a privilege learning mostly new things from the sessions I attended and it will be a great opportunity to make a difference in the work we do every day. I will share what I learnt with my other female comrades who didn’t attend.”

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“I was amazed by the stories from the Bangladesh Police Women. The hardships they faced and the challenges they have overcome are inspiring and if they can do it we can do it” said Senior Sergeant Maryanne Yabara. Unsworn sponsored delegate Schola Sengue further commented, “Compare them to Papua New Guinea and we have a lot of privileges and freedom for women police, and our women can do and achieve what they want in their own right.” The ACWAP Excellence in Policing Awards night was a held to ‘publicly

acknowledge and reward the achievements of women and men who are contributing to improving policing and law enforcement and ensuring policing services are enhanced for women’. It was a nail biting time for the RPNGC and PNG-APP delegates in attendance who were eagerly awaiting the announcement of the Male Champion of Change Award. RPNGC WAN had nominated RPNGC Commissioner Baki for the award. He was the first RPNGC male to be nominated for the award and all were exceptionally proud that he was a finalist in the category. On this occasion, sadly he was not the award recipient. In addition to the daily professional program, there were also afterhours social activities which provided the opportunity for delegates to interact in a relaxed environment. The farewell dinner on the final night was a mixture of joy and sorrow that such a fantastic week had come to an end. Overall the friendships formed, lessons learned, and the inspiration and motivation obtained made attending the conference exceptionally worthwhile. With fresh ideas in mind, the RPNGC WAN are now moving forward with the planning of their 2018 Police Women’s Conference which will take place in Kimbe 5-8 March 2018.

New Caledonia: New Caledonia would like to introduce their new office holders for NC WAN. Nathalie PRATS (president), police captain at the police station Nouméa Carole Pidjot (Vice President), Chief Brigadier at the Nouméa Police Station, Vanessa REGINI (secretary), administrative staff at the Nouméa formation Sylvia CHABALE (Assistant Secretary), Police Captain at Nouméa Police Station Davina HMALOKO

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(Treasurer), Brigadier at the Nouméa Police Station Higano MAILETOGA (Assistant Treasurer), administrative staff at the Nouméa Formation _________________________________________________________

Cook Islands Police promote three more women:

Congratulations to Sharon Kareroa, for being promoted to the rank of Sergeant Domestic Violence, Tereapii Tapoki to the rank of Sergeant Frontline- Unit 1 and Lisa Tatakura to the rank of Sergeant Frontline Unit 4.

In 1999, Mrs Tereapii Tapoki-Toroma at the age of 13yrs, participated in her first MANEA Games on her homeland Island of

Mauke, Cook Islands, and there she was elected by the Cook Islands Sports National and Olympics

Games Committee, to undergo sports training in Rarotonga, specifically in Shot put, Discus and Javelin. Mrs Tapoki-Toroma have been and ongoing National Representative for Cook Islands in numerous Olympic, Commonwealth, Pacific and Oceania Games. She is the Pacific record holder for discus, she rank second (2) in New Zealand. She holds record for discus, shot put, javelin and long jump at the MANEA Games. Mrs Toroma received three gold medals at the MANEA Games, Mitiaro 2017.

Mrs Tereapii Tapoki-Toroma, joined the Cook Islands Police Service in 2009 as a Probationary Constable and in 2012 she received her promotion to the rank of a Constable. In October, 2017 she was promoted to the rank of a Sergeant frontline. She continues to aim high and to become an Inspector one day.

______________________________________________________________________________

PICP Seconded officers (SPO) Expressions of Interest:

The applications for Expressions of Interest for the 2018 PICP Seconded Officers Programme has gone out to Police Commissioners and WAN Chairs. Open to both men and women in Policing a Seconded opportunity to the PICP Secretariat is extremely rewarding both personally and professionally. 2018 secondments range from as little as one month to 6 months giving much more flexibility than in previous years. For more details I would encourage you to speak to your supervisor, WAN Chair or even your Commissioner. For more information go to www.picp.co.nz

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Marshall Islands:

Marshall Island’s Police women played an important role during the visit of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen when she visited RMI last month. The visit was part of a Pacific Regional tour which took in Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands. Women’s Advisory Network members from RMI said that it is encouraging to involve police women at such special events such as VIP visits. Gives us motivation when we see and meet women leaders.

RSIPF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND SUCCESSES

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has seen the importance of having to train women officers. The contributions from women are very much valued and it has some impacts in the day to day operations of the organisation. A lot of trainings have been conducted and women have been identified to participate in the trainings. CID had two qualifying courses. The first course had four female officers included with the second course having seven. More than twenty females have been trained in Driver Training. It is a very big boost for us as now officers can run errands from the office, unlike before when we would have to go looking for people that can drive to take us with our official duties. This idea of training women came about after a number requests being put through for women to undertake such training.

Photo: CID Detective Qualifying Course 01/2017

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Left: Inspector Ileen Ukebule did completed her Certificate IV Leadership and Management program with the APTC and graduated on the 29th of September 2017 along with two male senior officers. The young Inspector stated that she is looking forward to implement the skills and knowledge she gained from the studies in her work place.

Right: Chief Superintendent Evelyn Thugea did reap the fruit of her

hard work and struggle for the past 3 years. Madam Evelyn took up

Management, Pacific Policing and Public Administration at the

University of the South Pacific. Madam Evelyn made a very tough

decision to leave her beloved family behind to take up the studies. As

a result of her hard work she did achieve what she had been longing

for.

CONGRATULATIONS MADAM. YOU DESERVE IT

Photo left:

Taiwanese

President

inspecting the

guard of Honour

on her arrival at

the Henderson International Airport.

Photo: RSIPF Female Platoon standing at ease waiting for the command from the Parade

Commander

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More than 60 women officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) across the country today (9 October 2017) attended a one-day

workshop at the Police Headquarters in Rove, Honiara called Women in Policing.

The Workshop was initiated by the RSIPF Women’s Advisory Network (WAN) in which represents women officers from each provincial police and the various departments and divisions within the Force.

The Workshop discussed how women officers can contribute effectively in policing.

The issues are: • Equal or Equity or both; • Physical Strength and Policing; • Contextualizing the need to Rethink Gender; • Rethinking Training; • Rethinking Recruitment; and • Rethinking Placement.

During the opening of the workshop, the Chairperson of the WAN, Inspector Ileen Ukebule says, “I wish to thank all Provincial Police Commanders and Directors of various RSIPF Departments and Divisions for allowing and releasing their women officers to attend this important workshop”.

“I am also grateful to Dr. Danielle Watson, Coordinator-Pacific Policing Programme, of the University of the South Pacific, Fiji, for accepting the invitation to be one of the key speakers at this workshop,” says Inspector Ukebule.

She adds, “I am also thankful for the continuous support of female Police Advisors under the Australian Solomon Islands Police Development Programme (SIPDP) and New Zealand Solomon Islands Police Support Programme (SIPSP) to the WAN.”.

The Women in Policing Workshop was held alongside the Police Provincial Commanders and Directors Conference.

Photos: Left Officers take part in discussion during the one day workshop. Right

RSIPF WAN Chair Inspector Ileen Ukebule addressing the participants

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Photo: RSIPF WAN group photo with Dr.Danielle Watson (USP)

Rest in Peace Constable Cathy Megi (RSIPF)

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force did lost one of the female officers on the 12th September 2017 after giving birth to a very beautiful baby girl. Constable Cathy Megi served one year four months before she was called to rest. The women of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force showed their respect by organising themselves as casket bearers to the coffin of the late officer. The women of the Royal Solomon Islands Police salute her for her service. She will be long remembered by members of the RSIPF and the colleagues she had served with. The casket of the late officer was then flown to her home village about 1 hour 20

minutes from Honiara escorted by the RSIPF WAN Chair and few more officers. So long and farewell Colleague. RIP Officer Megi

Photos: RSIPF Women carrying the casket of their colleague sister in blue.

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Internship with a Difference (Fiji/Tuvalu)

The internship program with the Fiji Police Force turned out to be an amazing adventure for Tuvalu Senior Constable Valusefulu Semaia. Valu as she prefers to be called, was given the opportunity to work with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) particularly for the Sexual Offences Unit. She worked under the leadership of officer in charge Inspector Mereani Moimoi, who exposed the shy Valu to get to know fellow CID colleagues and also have a hands on experience with investigation, planning and awareness outreach programs. Valu’s shyness faded as she was not alone during her

internship. Her colleagues created an open work environment and made her feel at home. She is grateful for the experience she gained during her short stint with the Sexual Offences Unit. She has now a better understanding of basic policing and crime investigation techniques. She will now be able to perform her duties well and will know what to do when encountering sensitive cases that are sexual in nature. She has also learned discipline in the process in terms of addressing senior officers and executives, police dressing, punctuality and related work ethics pertaining to policing. She was even part of the Fiji Police Women’s Interformation Tournament held in the northern island of Fiji. During its awards night, Valu was awarded an outstanding player in the tournament.

___________________________________________________________________________

NZ Police Central Communications Centre - Enabling Women By: Nicola Johns, WAN Lead Central Communications Centre

The Central Comms Women’s Advisory Network (WAN) is alive, growing and bursting at the seams with ideas, innovation and the energy of our people. We are a united network of women, comprised of six section representatives, working together to enable our women to reach their full potential. We operate under the strategic direction of the WAN Governance Group, and have developed our own work plan to ensure we deliver on national outcomes.To engage our staff and get our voice heard, we built a centre notice board, providing a hub for the latest information on projects, welfare and development. We identified that, for our women to progress in NZ Police, we needed to equip and enable them to seek out these opportunities, and have the confidence to apply for internal vacancies. In September this year we ran three workshops on writing police applications and

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CV’s. Inspector Tony Bernards and Senior Sergeant Naera Parata facilitated these workshops, reflecting on their personal experiences and providing handy tips to de-mystify the application process. Our feedback results were excellent. Attendees now feel confident in applying for career progression opportunities. On average, they rated their level of knowledge before the workshop as ‘low’ which increased to ‘moderate-high’ afterwards. “Fantastic workshop, good to

hear directly about what is expected. I enjoyed the

information about body language

during interviews, as these can be quite stressful.”

“This workshop

taught me how to target applications

and even gave me confidence to look further into

employment opportunities and

apply for them and take up offered opportunities”

“I learnt I need to make my CV more

appropriate to the application. Also I am going to make the competency spreadsheet and set email updates on job adverts”

“I wasn’t aware that you even applied through my police. I’ve never applied for a position and wouldn’t

have known where to start. I do now”

Table: Results illustrating the improvement in level of understanding of workshop

attendees

00.5

11.5

22.5

33.5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

KN

OW

LED

GE

SC

OR

E

WORKSHOP ATTENDEES

Appointments Workshop

Before Workshop After workshop

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In addition to these sessions we have developed a peer mentor program, connecting new employees to experienced employees, to support their safety and wellbeing. The peer mentors will provide advice and guidance, ensuring new employees have access to any support services they need. Not only does this program provide for the wellbeing of our people, but it has also created an opportunity for the growth and development of our mentors, supporting a healthy and high performing culture in our workgroup.

__________________________________________________________________________________

New Zealand Governor General visits Counties- Manuka

Police: On the 15th September of September 2017, New Zealand’s Govenor General, the Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy visited Counties Manukau, the New Zealand Police’s biggest district, with 1400 staff serving a population in excess of 560,000. Dame Patsy and Sir David were invited to the Manukau Police Station to meet with District Commander, Superintendent Jill Rogers and hear from her team about exciting initiatives in reducing family harm and youth crime, and how Counties Manukau Police is approaching increasing the gender diversity of the force. On behalf of our WAN, I presented to Dame Patsy, covering our country statistics as presented to the recent PICP WAN conference, our burning issues and the progress of women being appointed to higher ranks. The visit ended with a round table discussion with female police staff about the role of women in policing, and the challenges and opportunities being in the Police offers. It was a real privilege to meet and present to Dame Patsy who was very engaging and interested in the development of women in the NZ Police.

By Detective Sergeant Natalie Nelson

American Samoa – Certification of Arms:

Federal instructor and trainer, Ernie Haleck, has certified forty-one local police officers to carry weapons while on duty. The 41 officers’ names were called out during a special ceremony held at the Veterans Affairs Office in Tafuna on the morning of October 19, 2017 while government leaders, families, and friends looked on. Out of the 41 Officers, three were female Police Officers of Captain Pouu’amea Supapo, Officer Annie Coffin and Officer Latarah Ah See.

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The certified police officers include Commissioner Le’i Sonny Thompson, his immediate staff, including two deputy commissioners, commanders, captains, lieutenants and sergeants. Two officers from the Department of Homeland Security are now also certified to carry weapons. Haleck, who is from Pavaiai and has spent 40 years of his life in law enforcement, said he has shared with local police, the training he received from the LAPD, for the purpose of helping them fulfil their duties as police officers to protect the community and enforce the law. As an instructor and trainer of Federal Firearms and Tactics for the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), Haleck shared his experience from the trainings he had provided for law enforcement around the United States, which he said is his way of giving something back to the local community. “And now I’m here in American Samoa to honour these police officers" for what they've accomplished during the 80-hours of training, which included lectures, tests and also the practical phase of using firearms and other tactics as necessary. Haleck explained that an officer needs a minimum score of 80% in order to be certified and according to him, most of the local cops did better than that; meaning, most of them achieved what was needed. “As I kept reminding you during our training, it is very important for you to carry out your duties based on your training. Remember to use force only when it is necessary,” Haleck told the cops. In addition to carrying guns, the cops are also certified to use a baton, pepper spray, and other types of tactics necessary to subdue a person and take them into custody. Haleck reminded the cops that the use of a firearm should be the last resort, and there is a lot of responsibility needed when the issue comes up in their line of work. He shared that during his 40 years in law enforcement, he has had to attend 42 funerals of police officers who were killed in the line of duty, and most of them were his partners during his career, and it is something that he never takes lightly. "It is my duty as a certified trainer to train you well, so you can fulfil your responsibility to take care of the community you raised your hand to protect," he said. "Remember what I also told you during training — it's not the power of being able to use force, it's the power of NOT being able to use force." Our police officers will be the ones who respond to whatever threat that may affect the lives of own people, he said. Haleck commended Commissioner Le’i for setting a good example of how an administrator should act to support his crew. Haleck said is it very unusual for him to see an administrator come out every time during training. "This is a true colour of a leader who wants to walk in the shoes of his partner,” he said. During his closing remarks, Le’i thanked all the police officers and their families for their service in protecting the community. He also thanked government leaders and the community for their efforts in supporting local police officers while they perform their duties. Le’i said, “I have full confidence and trust that you are qualified and have been trained and certified to take the necessary force to prevent any major injuries and the possible loss of lives, especially women and children, and all those who call our office for help.”

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All the certified police officers received certificates of certification; and an award of recognition was presented to Haleck for his service. Congratulations to all officers and especially to the three Police women!

___________________________________________

American Samoa Police Officer completes Masters!

Deidra Si’omia Harrington-Latu

Associate of Science in Criminal Justice – December 2006 (A.S.C.C) Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice – December 2015 (Argosy University) Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership – September 2017 (Argosy University)

Who would have known that being the eldest of 7 kids can radiate such tremendous pressure? At a very young age, my father literally pedestaled my birthright of being the eldest to set the standards for my siblings, and I wasn’t too happy about it. (haha moment!) However, the emphasis of these “certain standards,” with education being one of grave importance, continued to resonate in my ears. It served as my motivation to pursue my educational dreams. At the age of 31 wearing several hats that vary from being a mother, a wife, and a police officer, I can finally say that I now fully understand the

emphasis that my family, especially my parents placed on education. Although my educational goals weren’t completed in the timely fashion that I had initially planned for, I am content that it has been checked off my “need-to-do,” list. Confucius articulated it better when he stated, “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” Education is definitely a journey, not a destination. ______________________________________________________________________

Federated States of Micronesia: FSM WAN

Female officers in the Federated States of Micronesia are reportedly doing great! Five females graduated recently at the Police Academy along with 28 male counterparts. Milita Harry received awards in Leadership and an Academic Achievement Award. Another female graduate Younaleen Mathew received the Most Improved Award. Fantastic efforts to all, well done.

__________________________________________________________________________________

French Polynesia:

The National Police of French Polynesia was well represented during two sports events. In September, four officers went to France to represent Tahiti Police Nationale during a surf contest. The tournament was exclusively France and French territories. All contestants showed fair play and attitude. Also in September, « Team Police Nationale 987 » organised a bike relaya round Tahiti. Each team consisted of five members made up from different uniform

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organisations such as the Gendarmerie, Fire and Prison Services. The events were well supported by women in policing with donations from the event going to people partically-sighted or suffering from blindness.

Photos: Team members from French Polynesia.

S.A.R.A Problem Solving Model.

During the PICP WAN Conference a presentation was given whereby the Guam Police Department used Professor John Eck’s and William Spelman SARA Problem Solving Model. . The acronym SARA stands for Scanning, Analysis, and Response & Assess basically assists police and guides them to make better decisions on problem solving. The model itself has been around since 1987 and remains a key process today. I would encourage those that can to visit the “popcentre website” where you will not only find and learn about the SARA Model but also a helpful website to assist in all types of policing initiatives. www.popcentre.org

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Celebrating Cooperation with in Tonga Police as well as reaching out to the Public.

Tonga Police WAN celebrated its 47th birthday on the 8th of September this year. To mark the 47th years of women joining Tonga Police, A short program of prayers (showcasing culture sensitivities and

inclusiveness) and words of encouragement and afternoon tea was put up. TPWAN current chairlady (CIP. M. KAUFUSI) spoke on her journey in the Tonga

Police. The importance of leading through actions, “Value people first”, Ability to self reflect, and see how we can improve next time, Ultimately, it is about using a multitude of platforms including guts and strength. CIP KAUFUSI is the Officer in Charge Traffic Department and is managing quite a number of personnel. The outgoing chairlady spoke on future direction for women in the Tonga Police “The question of whereto from here” Is TPWAN putting any extra effort on Community partnership role? What are we doing about personal and professional development and further, what are we doing about fitness level. To conclude the speech, Lau’aitu P. TUPOUNIUA – SHERMAN said, it is about being Resilience and focus on what matters and adds value to “you as a person” and the organisation. The powerful messages were further discussed during afternoon tea, and amazingly there is willingness and acceptance to change - TPWAN is to step out of the comfort zone and do something new, even serious consideration for men in the supervisory roles to participate the next TPWAN conference.

On the same note, three (3) of our current TPWAN members accompanied the Deputy Chairlady (CIP S. FALETAU) to the Tonga Police Retired Police Officers get together in Auckland, NZ from the 8 – 10th September 2017. Firstly, to celebrate 47 years of women in policing but more importantly lobbying for unified standing to develop common strategies for better policing and serving the community.

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Photos bottom of last page: Retired Tonga Police Women members from around the world

gathering in Auckland New Zealand.

______________________________________________________________________________

TPWAN commitment to Community partnership.

An identified group of TPWAN members are made the “ears and eyes” to community work, these members are responsible for identifying national activities and see how TPWAN can help. Our participation in this year “Pink October month” led to a Pink Boxing at 6.00am on Saturday 28th of October, followed by a “Pink Walk” on the road holding banners that said, “Breast cancer is a killer disease” “Get check now”

“Pink Boxing”- Commissioner CALDWELL and Mrs CALDWELL plus TPWAN members following

royalties during Pink Awareness walk.

Further to the above-mentioned, activities TPWAN members participated “Promoting Evidence Based Policy making for Gender Equality conference” as well as Gender and Health. The workshop promoted the understanding that Gender have impacts on health outcomes, thus the importance of ensuring access to health care, healthy lifestyle leading to decision making. ________________________________________________________________ Preparation for White “Ribbon Day”

Tonga Police Development Programme expanded its reaching out program to the outer-islands, ‘Eua. The theme for this year’s program is “ Be bold and Report family violence” An essay writing competition for 4th-6th form students is currently going and members of the Tonga Police will leave Tongatapu to ‘Eua on the 25th of November, to continue strengthening the support on “Ending Violence campaign”. Importantly the drivers of this project are TPWAN members and project manager being Inspector Linda MOTU’APUAKA.

Participating International Law Enforcement Conference.

Tonga Police WAN are grateful for the opportunity to participate and learned from the above-mentioned Inspirational conference. The conference provided an invaluable knowledge and the thrive to share that knowledge. To all the Pacific sisters that we caught up during the conference, I am sure we all felt well equipped. This is to wish you all the best with whatever you are doing as Police Officers. Malo moe faka’apa’apa atu. Tonga Police WAN members

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_________________________________________________________

Australian Federal Police, Targeting Women:

Recognising that diversity creates a stronger and more effective organisation, the Australian Federal Police has recently run a special measure recruitment round targeting women only in an effort to meet its 50-50 gender target. The AFP Diversity and Inclusion Strategy not only sets specific targets to increase the proportion of women in sworn policing and protective service officer roles to 35% by 2021, it aims to increase the representation of women across all roles, including community policing, cyber investigations and organised crime. Women from across the AFP supported the recruitment activity through a speaking tour of capital cities to demystify the work of the AFP and the potential pathways on offer through their own experiences. There were 10 information sessions run in 8 days in 8 cities. More than 450 members of the public attended sessions in person, and a copy of the information sessions were also put on the AFP recruitment Facebook page of which has received 1.6k views. At the end of the special measure for women recruitment process 1291 women had applied. They will now progress through the standard recruiting processes. To achieve the target of 35%, the AFP will need to hire 440 female police and 154 protective service officers. As a longer term goal, the AFP hopes to achieve a 50-50 gender balance among officers by 2026.

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WAN Members attend International Blue Light & PCYC Conference in Fiji:

Supported by the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police, five members of various WAN’s came together to take part in the International Blue Light & PCYC Conference, 18-21 October. Thanks to Fiji Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho the conference was hosted by the Fiji Police. This is the first time the conference has be held outside of Australia or New Zealand. Over 75 delegates attended the conference from ten countries. The opening address by Deputy Commissioner Isikelo Ligairi welcomed the delegates and outlined the importance of working positively with young people in our communities. Each of the WAN delegates outlined to the conference what proactive measures their countries are taking in working with young people. WPC Suesta (SI) said it was a great privilege to represent Blue Light Solomon Islands at the conference. More information on Blue Light and their work can be found at, www.bluelight.co.nz Photo: Lisa Tatakura (Cook Islands) Liza Palmer (Vanuatu)Naomie Laicha (Vanuatu) Anamalia Aho

(Tonga) Suesta Ngelea (RSIPF)

______________________________________________________________________________

Guam Police Promotions recognise women: Between August and October 2017, the Guam Police Department has promoted nearly 120 officers to the ranks of Police Officer II and III, Police Sergeant I and II, and Lieutenant. It has been over 15 years since there was a promotion of this scale where junior officers (Police Officers I and II) have been afforded the opportunity to apply for advancement. Among those recently promoted, 10 were police women. There are 23 female officers employed within the Guam Police Department. Elizabeth C. Flickinger Police Sergeant I to Police Sergeant II (former GPD WAN chair) Aida R. Pierce Police Officer III to Police Sergeant I Jessica P. Meyenberg Police Officer II to Police Sergeant I (GPD WAN member) Anna T. Kuper Police Officer I to Police Sergeant I (former GPD WAN vice chair) Maggie S. Naputi Police Officer I to Police Sergeant I (GPD WAN treasurer) Berlyn A. Savella Police Officer I to Police Officer III (GPD WAN member) Morgan D. M. Reyes Police Officer I to Police Officer III (GPD WAN Sgt at Arms) Maile Steffy-Lizama Police Officer I to Police Officer III (former GPD WAN treasurer) MaryJane M. Raval Police Officer I to Police Officer II Susie Santos Police Officer I to Police Officer II (former GPD WAN chair)

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During the Police Officer III promotion ceremony, Chief Joseph I. Cruz stated in his speech, "I will tell you that times are good at the Guam Police Department. It's special because these promotions are working toward what I would like to call 'right-sizing' the Guam Police Department. It means we have an efficient police department, and an efficient police department means an efficient government, and an efficient government means better service to the people of Guam."

"I think the truth of the matter is, people who end up as ‘first’ don’t actually set out to be first. They set out to do something they love and it just so happens that they are the first to do it." -- Condoleezza Rice, (Former U.S Secretary of State)

On behalf of the team here at the PIPC Secretariat I would like to thank you for your support throughout 2017. I wish you and your families a Happy and Blessed Christmas and look forward to working with you all again in 2018. Stay safe and thank you for everything you do for the communities you live and work in here in the Pacific. Kevin Kneebone- Programme manager, PICP WAN.

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“No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself the contributions of half of its citizens.”- Michelle Obama

The PICP WAN newsletter is published four times per year from the Pacific Islands Chiefs of police Secretariat. While all care is taken, readers should note that reliance, whether wholly or partially, on any of the contents do not necessarily reflect the view of the Pacific islands Chiefs of Police. Neither PICP nor the writer accept any responsibility or liability.

Contact Details:

Please check out the PICP web page at

www.picp.co.nz

Note the PICP Secretariat are now using a joint

team email of PICP.Secretariat@police.govt.nz

Use Facebook? Search and ask to join the 230+ members of the PICP-WAN Discussion forum group

You are also welcome to “friend” PICP Kneebone on Facebook.

PICP Women’s Advisory Network (PICP WAN) Program Manager contact: Inspector Kevin Kneebone MNZM

PICP Secretariat, Wellington New Zealand Phone: +64 (0)4 474 9567, Mobile: +64 (0)21 1922996

Email: Kevin.Kneebone@police.govt.nz www.picp.co.nz