Swipe Safe Training Equips Police Officers to Tackle Online Child Exploitation

The Swipe Safe Child Protection Professionals Training concluded its second and final day this week, equipping members of the Fiji Police Force with advanced knowledge and practical tools to respond to online child exploitation and abuse.

The training, hosted by the Online Safety Commission (OSC) in collaboration with ChildFund Australia and supported by UNICEF, marks a major step in strengthening Fiji’s law enforcement capacity in digital child protection.

Day Two built on the foundational sessions from the previous day, delving deeper into the legal, investigative, and psychological dimensions of online offences targeting children.

The day began with a session led by Mr. Prashant Sushil, who explained key legal definitions of online grooming, child pornography, and cyberbullying under Fijian law.

He also discussed the penalties associated with these offences, giving officers a clearer understanding of the legal consequences for those who exploit children online.

Following this, Ms. Tajeshwari Devi presented an in-depth discussion on the stages of online grooming and showcased a detailed case study on Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM).

Her session highlighted emerging digital threats, including sexual extortion, the livestreaming of abuse, and risks children face in online gaming spaces. She encouraged officers to think critically by leading an interactive group activity, applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Mr. Filipe Batiwale further examined the issue of sexual extortion, sharing investigative criteria specific to CSAM cases.

He reviewed key legislative provisions that guide law enforcement in tackling these crimes effectively.

Addressing the emotional and psychological impact of online abuse, Ms. Kimberly Murray of Empower Pacific delivered a powerful session on the trauma experienced by victims.

She emphasized the need for specialized counselling services and sensitive case handling, reaffirming that the best interests of the child must remain a priority in all investigations.

Ms. Murray also noted that counselling support is provided to perpetrators, aimed at reducing the likelihood of re-offending through early intervention.

Mr. Samuela Finau then introduced a range of digital tools available to assist police during investigations and provided a detailed overview of investigative processes within the OSC’s framework.

His session aimed to bridge operational gaps and support officers in navigating complex digital environments.

To close the training, Ms. Deepika Mala guided participants in developing a practical Online Complaints Checklist, a resource that officers can immediately incorporate into their daily operations.

She also summarized the key takeaways from both days, acknowledging the commitment and progress made by all participants.

The training concluded with a Certificate Presentation Ceremony, celebrating the efforts of the police officers who took part in the two-day event.

Organizers and facilitators commended their dedication to building safer online environments for Fijian children.

Over the course of the program, participants enhanced their skills, deepened their understanding of digital threats, and forged stronger professional networks.