Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police conference discusses family violence

The annual Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) conference was held in Auckland on 14 October 2014, chaired by New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

Twenty Chiefs of Police from around the Pacific discussed family violence, as well as other common crime themes such as cyber crime, illicit drugs and organised crime. A focus in bringing more women into various Police organisations was also planned.

Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP) manager Cam Ronald addressed the delegates and urged them to endorse the Nadi Accord. The Accord states that culture, tradition and religion cannot be used to justify sexual and gender-based violence or a lack of action against it.

The PPDVP is also involved in violence prevention initiatives involving New Zealand Rugby and White Ribbon Day activities.

New Zealand Ambassador for the Pacific Economic Development, Shane Jones, opened the conference by highlighting violence against women and children as problems the region needs to address.

Commissioner Mike Bush said "It’s very important that New Zealand Police in partnership with other jurisdictions continue to assist and develop Police organisations in Pacific Island countries. This will help to ensure law and order remains stable in all communities and countries and the Pacific remains safe and secure."

The conference sought agreement on a new PICP strategic plan, including strong prevention themes and innovative strategies to be developed across Police organisations in the next five years.

The Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police is a non-profit organisation made up of national Police services of Pacific Island countries and territories. The current 20 members work to build safer and more secure communities in Pacific Island countries by improving policing.

A Pacific regional police training program is also currently underway in Fiji, run by the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre. It seeks to eliminate cultural and religious attitudes that have created barriers to justice for crimes against women.

On 19 September 2014, New Zealand's Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs and New Zealand Police signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Priority areas to be addressed include reducing violence including family violence, reducing harm from alcohol, promoting road safety and working toward better outcomes for Pacific young people.

Police also anticipated benefits in accessing expertise on Pacific perspectives in order to keep Pacific communities safe and to enhance trust and confidence in the Police. The MoU also seeks to develop the leadership aspirations of Pacific people in Police and the Ministry. Approximately 5% of New Zealand Police constabulary staff are from Pacific communities (about 490 officers).

Media:

Pacific police conference in Auckland, Radio NZ, 14.10.2014

Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police hold conference, NewstalkZB, 14.10.2014

NZ Police host the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP), New Zealand Police, 13.10.2014

Make stand on abuse, chiefs urged, Ten One, October 2014 (Issue 385)

Pacific police look to remove barriers to justice for women, Radio NZ, 13.10.14

Pacific-Police agreement heralds closer working, New Zealand Police, 19.09.2014