CSP - Palau 2024
Cyber Safety Pasifika (CSP) is a Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) program, sponsored and delivered by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in conjunction with partners. CSP supports cyber resilience in the Pacific by supporting multiple capability activities. Primarily, CSP facilitates Pacific police organisations to develop skills to investigate cybercrime. Equally, CSP equips police officers with skills and resources to present cyber awareness and education presentations to schools, elders and community groups.
Bringing together Pacific police officers in geographical areas to participate in regional programs also provides an opportunity to build relationship capital and professional networks. These connections allow for knowledge sharing and collaboration in crime prevention activities.
CSP also brings together valued strategic partners, including AFP Cybercrime, New Zealand Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). These strategic partners provide subject matter experts to co-deliver the program. CSP programs bring knowledge and skills from presenters with diverse expertise to strengthen the cyber resilience of the region. Hosting these programs across the Pacific empowers Pacific countries to learn how to implement cybercrime preventive measures in context.
With Micronesia the focus of this regional program, police officers from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Kiribati, Palau, and the Republic of Marshall Islands came to Palau for the one-week training program. The Cyber Awareness and Education (CAE) program was led by presenters from Fiji and Tonga, Inspector Marica Veibete and Constable First Class Soana Uluheua respectively.
Holding the regional training in Micronesia presented a unique opportunity to collaborate with U.S. Pacific Territories. CNMI and Guam attended the training in Palau, supported by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). The Cyber Investigation Foundation (CIF) program led by New Zealand Police Cyber Security Specialist Enoka Feterika and supported by FBI - Assistant Legal Attaché, Shelby BeDell.
The training reinforced the ongoing commitment to the Pacific region, from multiple stakeholders, most significantly Australia, represented by the AFP, New Zealand, represented by NZ Police and the United States, represented by the FBI.
In another first, this program was also supported by WESNET - The Women’s Services Network. WESNET is an Australian peak body for specialist women’s domestic and family violence services. Following from virtual presentations during the pandemic, WESNET delivered face-to-face training in the program. WESNET has a timely expertise in the area of domestic violence perpetrated through the use of technologies.
It is with due recognition of the hospitality from our Pacific neighbours that CSP programs continue with strong numbers and welcome hosts. We extend our thanks to the Palau Police Force and Pacific police officer attendees.
