Police armed for CHOGM security under review

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 14 February 2024: Cabinet is reviewing the request for the police to be armed as part of security measures during the meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of the Governments – CHOGM in Samoa in October.

The Head of the Commonwealth, King Charles III is expected to lead the list of dignitaries and heads of governments of the 56 member organisation are expected to be in Samoa in a first for the meeting to be hosted by a small developing island state in the Pacific.

Members of the King’s Royal Guard joined the Samoa police in security exercises last week in preparation for the meeting. The police chose a busy time in the morning traffic to conduct a mock escort of diplomats from the airport making stops at several places along the way.

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed the exercises and the continuing meetings between them and representatives from other countries that are here to assess the police security response.

Australia offer warship surveillance
Auapaau also confirmed the offer from the Australian Government for a warship to man the maritime surveillance.

He said Australia military teams were also in Samoa last week to further discuss the security needs of the Police Maritime team.

With a limited number officers in the local police force, Auapaau welcomed the support from other Pacific countries.

“Fiji, Solomon Islands. Tonga and other islands are sending police officers with specialized skills to assist with the security operation,” he said.

Last week, the Government of Japan through their Embassy in Samoa donated 14 vehicles for the Ministry of Police to assist with operations.

Auapaau also confirmed assistance from the United States of America but did not disclose the details.

300 teachers as auxiliary police & liaison officers
To assist with the shortage of police officers, the Ministry has engaged the service of teachers.

The Deputy Police Commissioner, Papalii Monalisa Tiai Keti confirmed and it would not be the first time they will engage the teachers’ assistance on international events on the scale of the upcoming meeting.

The Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Education and Culture, Aeau Chris Hazelman confirmed giving the Ministry of Police a list of 300 teachers for auxiliary police and also as Liaison Officers during the meeting.