The Samoa Police Service hopes to strengthen its investigative abilities as well as raise the standard of everyday police work with the arrival of donated equipment from the Australian Federal Police worth an estimated $500,000.
Samoa Observer reports that the donation of equipment is part of the partnership between the Australian Federal Police and the Samoa Police Service.
Two drones, digital forensic equipment, tablets, speed guns, 10 bikes, and equipment for the bike unit and various Police outposts were recently handed over in Apia.
The drones are capable of flying at an altitude of 500 feet, 15km distance and a one hour flight time, which will be used in police operations.
Acting Commissioner of Police Auapaau Logoitino Filipo thanked the Australian Government on behalf of the Samoa Police Services.
He said the equipment would enhance the professionalism of the Police service by improving public safety through strengthened enforcement in investigations and general policing.
Superintendent Daniel Evans of the Australian Federal Police said they are committed to their partners across the Pacific region to combat transnational crime.
“Cyber crime is something that continues to attack us, drugs continue to come from overseas and by having strong networks and strong partnerships as we do with the Australian Federal Police and the Samoa Police, we are able to combat that. Not only here but abroad,” he said.
