Samoa sends first police officer to train with FBI

APIA, SAMOA – 29 MARCH 2023: The Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services is sending a senior officer as its very first to participate in a training with the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy in Quantico Virginia.

Inspector Solomona Natia is representing SPPCS at the 286th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy (NA) due to start next week.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy, located in Quantico, is a multi-disciplinary ten-week management and leadership development program offered exclusively to law enforcement managers from across the United States and around the world.

The session consists of about 300 mid-to senior-level law enforcement officers representing the fifty (50) U.S states and as many as 30 foreign countries, Samoa included, offering a unique experience to learn from the experiences of other fellow law enforcement practitioners; as well as expanding each participant’s global professional network.

“Many SPPCS officers, have had the opportunity to be trained by FBI through its regional training programs but never trained in Quantico,” said Deputy Commissioner Papali’i Monalisa Tia’i-Keti.

Inspector Solomona Natia with Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo.

The prosecution’s senior officer, Inspector Solomona Natia expressed his enthusiasm over his selection, stating it will enhance law enforcement capabilities.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this prestigious training and excited to be the first to be trained at the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy,” said Inspector Natia.

“This will help me improve capacity building for law enforcement and the quality of the cases presented to the court.”

In addition, Natia expressed gratitude towards SPPCS and the government for allowing him to represent the service at the session.

“I thank Commissioner Auapa’au and the government of Samoa for choosing me to represent the Samoa Police and Samoa.”

Inspector Solomona Natia is a police prosecutor; and has been with Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services for twenty-three (23) years. He was recently admitted to the bar and has become a barrister and solicitor after completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Law and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of the South Pacific.