New Zealand’s Police Commissioner, Richard Chambers, is travelling to Fiji and Sāmoa this week for the first time without a specific event prompting the visit. In November, the Government announced that Chambers, a three-decade veteran of the police force, would take over from Andrew Coster, who accepted a new role at the Government’s Social Investment Agency. Chambers’ visits to Sāmoa and Fiji aim to strengthen partnerships and boost cooperation in law enforcement with both Pacific island nations. He said the tour is particularly important, given the current global political challenges, including crime and corruption. During his visits, Chambers plans to meet with police leaders and teams in Fiji and Sāmoa, reinforcing New Zealand Police’s dedication to being a supportive ally in regional efforts. In an interview with Pacific Mornings, Chambers says he is excited about visiting both countries. “I’m departing Auckland on Monday, 28 April, and I’ll be up in both countries for the week. First visit to Fiji and then to Sāmoa. Back home to New Zealand at the end of the week.” He emphasised New Zealand’s strong ties with police forces in the Pacific, saying, “I want to ensure that that continues under my commissionership. “It’s a great opportunity for me early in my tenure to get up there, meet with the police commissioners, their respective executive teams, also administrators of police and of course, my New Zealand police colleagues – just to be able to show my support to both countries, to the police forces over there.” Chambers refers to his trip as a “special visit,” highlighting that it is the first time a New Zealand police commissioner has visited both countries without a major event to attend. He believes the Pacific is a crucial partner for New Zealand and wants to reinforce the importance of this relationship. He said that by maintaining a presence and supporting several Pacific nations, including Fiji, Sāmoa, and others, the New Zealand Police aims to collaborate on various policing challenges. “With all the global issues unfolding, New Zealand and the Pacific face similar challenges in policing.” Chambers aims to work closely with his peers in Fiji and Sāmoa to ensure they receive the support they need. “New Zealand Police is dedicated to being easy to work with and offering support, especially during challenging times.” With a long history of engagement in the Pacific region, Chambers views the visits as an opportunity to reaffirm his commitment. As of June 2023, the New Zealand Police force has 10,700 officers – a significant increase from 2017. The Government is committed to adding 1800 frontline officers, aiming for a ratio of one officer for every 480 New Zealanders. After this trip, Chambers is already planning visits to Tonga and the Cook Islands, and he hopes to visit the Solomon Islands and Bougainville later. When asked how New Zealand Police handles the complex relationships in the region, especially with some countries aligning with China, Chambers says that his focus is on working effectively with communities. He said the support and training New Zealand provides to Pacific police forces is vital, and he wants to continue strengthening those partnerships. Chambers said Pacific police leaders often request additional assistance, showing that the collaboration is highly valued…. PACNEWS By Pacific Media Network