Fiji Police, AFP Strengthen Partnership with New Operational Support

The Fiji Police Force and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have strengthened their longstanding partnership following a high-level visit and the handover of new operational equipment in Suva.

AFP Global Strategy Command Assistant Commissioner David McLean paid a courtesy call on Fiji’s Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu at Police Headquarters before officiating the equipment handover at the Fiji Police Academy in Nasova.

Assistant Commissioner McLean said the latest handover reflected a partnership that had been built over generations and would continue into the future.

“Today’s handing over is merely an expression of the partnership between the Fiji Police Force and Australian Federal Police, preceded by generations and will continue for many more generations,” he said.

During the visit, McLean was briefed on the progress of the AFP-supported Uplift Programme, which focuses on leadership, human resources, operational capabilities, ethics and integrity, and communications.

The programme aims to support organisational reforms and strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Fiji Police Force while helping restore public trust and confidence.

Discussions also included plans to transition the Transnational Crime Unit (TCU) into a Transnational Serious Organised Crime (TSOC) unit.

The proposed reform follows the inaugural Pacific Transnational Crime Summit, co-hosted by the AFP and Fiji Police Force in May.

Equipment handed over during the visit will support the operational and investigative capabilities of several police units, including the Police Mobile Force, Cybercrime Unit, Traffic Unit and Transnational Crime Unit.

The AFP also provided logistical support through the supply of uniforms and boots.

Musical instruments were additionally donated to the Fiji Police Band.

McLean reaffirmed the AFP’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies in Fiji and across the Pacific, stressing the need for coordinated and effective responses to emerging criminal threats.

Commissioner Tudravu acknowledged the support of AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett and expressed Fiji Police’s appreciation for the longstanding cooperation between the two agencies.

He said the relationship had been further strengthened through the Vuvale Partnership, including developments in 2026 involving the Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance.

Commissioner Tudravu said stronger cooperation and practical responses between Fiji, Australia and regional law enforcement agencies were essential to addressing shared security challenges.

The latest engagement highlights the continued commitment of both countries to strengthening policing capabilities, tackling transnational crime and promoting a safer Pacific region.