Police officers from across Fiji are undergoing specialised training aimed at improving their ability to manage emergencies and coordinate responses during major incidents.

The three-day Training of Trainers on Emergency Management is being held at the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service, with support from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), New Zealand Police and Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office through the Law Enforcement Cooperation Program.

The programme is designed to strengthen frontline supervisors’ understanding of command and control, skills considered essential when coordinating police operations during emergencies and large-scale events.

AFP Senior Liaison Detective Superintendent Grant Liddy said command and control was relevant not only during major disasters but also to everyday policing.

He highlighted Fiji’s role as a Pacific hub and its hosting of major events, saying stronger command capabilities would be important for planning and carrying out security operations.

He also pointed to the pre-COP event scheduled for October as an example where the skills gained through the training could be applied.

Fiji Police Academy Commandant Senior Superintendent of Police Ruci Nasemira welcomed officers attending from the Operations Headquarters and the Eastern, Central and Southern Divisions.

She said emergencies such as cyclones, floods, fires, accidents and public safety incidents required preparation, effective leadership, clear communication and teamwork.

SSP Nasemira also stressed that communities depend on police and other emergency agencies for guidance and protection during times of crisis.

She said the training would help officers improve their coordination and decision-making, particularly when working under pressure, making the programme a timely investment in Fiji’s emergency response capability.