Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Women’s Advisory Network NEWSLETTER March 2018

Inside this edition:  Pacific country WAN Reports:  New Zealand Police- National Women’s Leadership Conference  First Niuean Police Female constable certified as Diver A PICP WAN Working Group met in Honiara, th th  PICP WAN working Solomon Islands 14 and 15 March 2018. The purpose of this workshop was to start thinking about group meeting photos the future Strategic Direction of PICP WAN, This was  Important dates the result of an action item from the 2017 WAN Mr Kevin Kneebone ends Conference in Guam, where it was identified that members have a lack of understanding around the secondment with PICP WAN WAN purpose, history and goals. Alongside the ELT Secretariat last Month – Thank you Lead for WAN, Commissioner Matt Varley, the for your contributions and Wish representatives discussed the current Strategic you all the best in your new role.. Direction 2015-2019 document and the relevance of this document for the future.

The key outcomes sought from this workshop were to discuss issues affecting different WANs, flag upcoming or ongoing concerns, share ideas and actions, and promote communication between local WANs. The recommendations coming out of this workshop will be discussed at the upcoming WAN Conference in Samoa in July 2018

“Networking is NOT about just connecting people, it’s about connecting people with people, People with Ideas”…Michele Jennae.

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NEW CALEDONIA WAN:

Fighting to stop the violence against women, was the main purpose of an event organised in late 2017, New Caledonia. At this, the Australian General Consul, Mr. Paul WILSON and his team welcomed the leaders of the local institutions including the congress and the government of New Caledonia represented by the leaders of the condition Women’s Department, the South Pacific Commission represented by Mr Cameron Diver, the New Caledonia’s Courtyard represented by the prosecutor Mr Alexis Bouroz and The Vietnam vice Consul Jean pierre Dinh).

Each one of them gave a speech, showing, their interest and involvement to the event to stop the violence against

women in New Caledonia and that of the Pacific Region.

The President, the Vice President, and the staff of the WAN-NC, also participated in the event, by putting a white ribbon on the fence rods surrounding the Australian consulate. The day’s celebrations ended with a fresh drink around a cocktail. This was a sign that everyone had appreciated what had been done during

the sharing and open discussions.

The President, the vice president, and the staff of the WAN-NC, also participated to the event, putting a white ribbon on the fence rods surrounding the Australian consulate.

Police Officer Sylvia Chabale leader of Help Unite Group reports :

For Woman International awareness, The Government of New Caledonia organised an event/march on the 22nd of November 2017. This was represented by the colour orange: The purpose of this was to stand alongside women against the violence that they are facing in their daily lives.

The different places, where these women stopped in during the walk, were represented by the different institutions where they can find help and assistance.

The gathering started in front of the New Caledonia’s Museum. One of the leaders, Rolande Tolue, gave a brief speech clothed with an orange tee-shirt. The group then moved together to the police office unit, where a meeting, led by Sylvia CHABALE, Police officer and GRANGON Laurence, took place. The women found answers about how the police procedure is made from the beginning to the end (from the victim’s report to judge’s decision for the author of infringment), including the role of the Help Unit Group. The organisers indicated that the event was a success with the different questions being asked. It showed they were really interested in the event.

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These women were glad to see how the event was a real eye-opener for the major institutions in the capital as « le relais de la province sud », and « le foyer béthanie ».

Ending the march at the museum, those women were satisfied to understand the purpose of this event, with a smile on their face making people sensitive on the difficulties and sufferings they met as victims of violence and to save them

from worse.

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Report from Fiji Police WAN

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE “Nothing is impossible when you are determined to strive for excellence”. These are sentiments echoed by the newly appointed Fiji Police Deputy Director Forensic Sciences Services, Superintendent Margret Marshall. Superintendent Marshall has always considered that working in a male dominated organisation is an inspiration and motivation in itself, believing

“We female officers need to strive and compete with our male counterparts as they are our best competitors. We need to learn from them and excel in our own expert fields.”

Superintendent Margret Marshall is the first ever female officer to be promoted to this position The Fiji Police WAN is grateful to the Commissioner of Fiji Police in recognising the potential and capability of female officers and their development in the policing industry. Recognising women to take up supervisory and management roles in the Fiji Police is one of the Intent of the Commissioner of Fiji Police.

DETERMINED TO SERVE Two women officers who make up the 13 member United Nations and African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) contingent say they are ready for the challenge of policing in a new environment.

UNAMID will be the first tour for Woman Detective Constable Ateshni Askika Ram and Woman Police Constable Ilisabeta Iliana.

WDC Ateshni who is based at the Nausori Police Station says she has prepared well for the year away from home adding her family has given her their full blessings.

“I have two children and I will surely miss them and they know that I will be away for a long time and it’s great that they understand the nature of my work which makes me determined to do my very best”.

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For WPC Iliana who has spent the last 11 years in the Force, leaving her family and her 9 children behind will also be difficult.

“My youngest are twin three year old girls and while I have been away for a long period for work, this will be the longest time away from home and we have prepared them well to know that this is the life of a police officer where the call to serve can either be here at home or in a different part of the world”.

The deployment of the two women also means that the Fiji Police Force has continuously met its quota for the number of female officers deployed for various UN missions.

UNMISS Contingent Farewelled

Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho farwelled W/IP Shobna Sharma,W/IP Loata Baleinavere and CPL Sunil Prasad who left on 10th February 2018 for a year of duty in South Sudan

POLICING THE GLOBE WITH MUSIC

The Fiji Police Band was part of the Fiji Delegation to the Climate Change Conference of the Parties 23rd Session in Bonn, Germany.

Six members of this band are female police officers, comprising Sgt Bausema Lilinatabua (plays the Cornet), WPC Titilia Koroitacina (plays the Flute), WPC Veniana Biumaiwai (plays the E- flat Saxophone), WPC Mere Lalakobatiki (plays the Flute) and WSC Elaine Campbell (plays the Euphonium).

The participation of these female officers which livened up the group included traditional Fijian dances (Meke), Fijian Island dance (Lakalaka), Brass Band and Jazz Band.

The impact created by the presence of these female officers were applauded by the members of COP23 and even by the “Terminator” star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Californian governor, who got into the groove of traditional dance (Taralala) with band member WPC Titilia Koroitacina.

It is through this music that the Fiji Police Band promotes policing not only to the local and regional scenes but to the international scene as well.

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UNITED NATIONS TRAINING FOR SENIOR OFFICERS

Three senior women officers attended a United Nations training reinforcing the Commissioner of Police’s intentions of having more female officers receive international training

The three are Acting Superintendent (A/SP) Amelia Rokotuivuna (Divisional Prosecutor East), A/SP Devika Narayan (Officer in Charge Human Resources) and A/SP Aseri Nakibo (Fiji Police Academy).

Director International Relations Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ulaiasi Ravula says the course is in line with a UN Security Council Resolution on Women Peace and Security with intentions to increase women participation in UN peace keeping missions in the next 5 years.

“Fiji is very fortunate as this is the first training held in the Asia Pacific region and the invitation was extended to the Fiji Police Force through the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO), ASEANAPOL through our observer status and the Royal Malaysian Police as the training is currently being held in Kuala Lumpur”.

SUPERINTENDENTS QUALIFYING COURSE 1/2017

6 Women officers were part of the Superintendents Qualifying Course 1/2017 that graduated on the 1st of December 2017. ASP Devika Narayan, A/ASP Helen Susie, A/ASP Eseta Lewabeci, IP Ruci Nasemira, IP Asenaca Maqanatagane and IP Eileen Pickering are now eligible for future promotion.

This course is specifically designed for officers of and above the ranks of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and those who are holding supervisory positions. The 6 officers have stated that they are grateful for the opportunity which is in line with the Commissioner of Police Intent of exposing more senior women to local and international command training.

The Superintendents Qualifying Course is the only Senior Command course that is offered locally. This was the first time that this course was offered on a distance flexible learning (DFL) mode. ______

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Report from NEW ZEALAND Police WAN:

Our National Women’s leadership conference (WLC) was held at the Royal New Zealand Police College from 31 October to 2 November 2017 and what a fantastic conference it was - from the combination of inspirational and motivational speakers to the skills and knowledge gained from our leadership development workshops.

The WLC was based over 3 days with 140 participants and had a mixture of internal and external speakers. Our Theme was “New Zealand Police – Our Future” and our Purpose was “To enable women to achieve their full potential within Police, whatever their chosen path, contributing to a high performing culture”.

The conference targeted professional development for our women and provided an opportunity to learn from our peers and strengthen links across the organisation. It was designed to extend participants existing skills and knowledge to assist their progression in our organisation, supporting more women to become successful and assisting NZ Police to perform with excellence.

Speakers included Grainne Moss the Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki. Our formal dinner speaker was Detective Constable Fiao’o (Fi) Fa’amausili (pictured left ), former Captain of the Silver Ferns Rugby team who had led the side to their recent World Cup Rugby Win. Fi was also honored as the NZ Police Association Police Sportsperson of the year (for the second time).She lives by the 4Fs: Faith, Family, Friends, and Fun. Fi has a few favourite quotes but the one that keeps her going is: “YOU NEVER LOSE, EITHER YOU WIN OR YOU LEARN.”

The Resources, materials and photographs from the conference were published on our internal WAN website which also allowed women were unable to attend to gain benefits from the material.

Above from left: Sgt Kate Saxton (facilitator), Assistant Commissioner Sandy Venables, S/Sgt Wendy Pickering (Co-ordinator) and Kate Milburn (facilitator). ______

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Report from NIUE Police WAN:

First Niuean Female Certified as a Diver in the Niue Police Dive Search and Rescue Squad. Introducing Ms. Juliana Tongahai who is a Police Constable in the Niue Police Department. Niue is a remote island in the Pacific. It is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination with many of the tourists taking to the water for fishing and marine life adventures. During holiday periods such as Christmas and Easter, many “off island” locals come home to visit family and friends. The island is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean which has unpredictable tide flows.

Juliana, explained that earlier this year, the Niue Police trained seven officers which included her to undertake Search and Rescue at sea. With the completion of this course, the Niue Police established its first ever Dive Search & Rescue Squad. This special team is responsible for all underwater search operations including the search for evidence and missing people in Niue. This also was seen as one of the solutions to the issue of Niue not having any training of such due to the lack of resources to adequately deal with people needing assistance at sea.

According to her, this is a great achievement for women in the Maritime area, especially in Niue and being the first ever female to be trained and certified as a Search and Rescue officer at sea. Juliana affirmed that with the right mind-set, commitment and an incredible team, the opportunity was a blessing itself and being able to enter into a beautiful and astounding world that is in pristine clear water within the Rock of Polynesia, haka motu fakahelehele ko Niue.

Juliana is grateful on behalf of Niue Police and being the only female to be blessed with the opportunity to be trained, for the awesome partnership with Australian Federal Police (AFP) for endorsing and supporting their request to fund diving gears for the sole purpose of dive rescue. “They (AFP) have gone above and beyond and funded our full diving kit, Fakaaue Lahi Mahaki (thank you very much) AFP for your endless support to Niue Police”.

In Niue, maritime and policing is a male dominated environment, however, with Juliana’s achievement, this is something she wants to share with her colleagues and extends her gratitude to the Niue Chief of Police – Mr. Tony Edwards who was the Coordinator for the whole event earning her a spot in the Niue Dive Search & Rescue Squad. “To be selected as one of the 7 Police Officers to undertake and complete an Advanced Adventure Course right through to Diver Stress & Rescue Course was mind blowing and over whelming. It was a task that I never thought I would consider, however I can only be thankful for the opportunity given to me.” “To other women and girls considering a career in maritime – To my sisters, strive and aim high, seek positive feedbacks and refuge to those who encourage you to do better. Let us authentically grow ourselves, grow our career and grow our organization for the betterment of our Pacific Islands.” ______

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Report from GUAM Police Department WAN:

The members of the Women's Advisory Network wanted to give back to the community during the holiday season. In line with the Guam Police Department's Community Oriented Policing Strategy the WAN reached out to the Catholic Social Services, a non-profit organization that provides emergency services to the victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

The Catholic Social Services also provides assistance for the homeless and foster children. Feminine care products was identified to be the most needed commodity and often overlooked as a donatable item.

Being a woman focused organization, the GPD WAN organized a feminine care drive and was able to donate over 50 individual care bags valued just under $1000.

The GPD WAN also teamed up with the Chasing Rainbows End Organization and GPD Dededo Precinct Command Community Resource Unit to provide gifts and holiday cheer to the community's most venerable children. The remaining gifts were then distributed to homeless children around the island.

The GPD WAN has more community events planned such as feeding the homeless and "shopping with a cop". ______

Report from PAPUA NEW GUINEA:

Increased Opportunities for RPNGC Women

Papua New Guinea is hosting the 2018 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) which will see 21 nations from the Pacific Rim participating in APEC PNG 2018, with the Leaders Week meetings in November 2018.The Australian Federal Police (AFP), through the Papua New Guinea Policing Partnership (PNG-APP), is providing extensive support to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), most visibly through the provision of specialised training, mentoring, logistical support and infrastructure upgrades.

As the RPNGC gears up for the extensive security operations required, specific work areas are focusing on development and increasing capacity. Some opportunities for women have included:  Motorcycle training to be involved in the movements of delegates and motorcades, Constable Delma Daki and First Constable Esther Kende being the first to successfully complete the motorcade skills enhancement training program for motorcycle riders.  5 female members have been trained over the last 18 months, as Bomb Appraisal Officers (BAO). The members, some who are permanently attached to the Bomb Search Unit, have each completed an intensive three-week course with the AFP Bomb Response Team in Canberra, Australia. Constable Bernadette Kunjip was one of the members who completed the course  The first two females to be attached to the Water Police recently obtained Commercial Coxswain Certificates to drive the police vessels. Constables Michaelyn Dukur and Mayble Mission completed their training at the PNG Maritime College in Madang in April this year.

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RPNGC WAN 10th NATIONAL CONFERENCE

The 10th RPNGC National Policewomen’s Conference was held in Kimbe, West New Britain from 5-8 March 2018. Over two hundred and fifty policewomen from around Papua New Guinea converged on the home province of the Commissioner of Police, Gari Baki, who is also a traditional chief of the Bakovi people.

The formal program commenced with a parade, led by the police band, through the main streets of Kimbe with the flags of the 21 participating Provinces flying high. The Governor of West New Britain, and the PNG Police Minister, welcomed the participants.

In his opening speech, Commissioner Baki stated, “I am sure your discussions in this conference will set the pace for the Constabulary management to formulate a path forward which is consistent with the values and corporate goals of this organisation, which is in line with our discipline standards, creates mutual understanding, instils respect, encourages good governance and gives life and meaning to our Equal Employment Policy.”

The theme of the conference was ‘United in advocating for inclusion and equal progress for all.’

Professor Judy Atkinson, Ms Kim Adams and Dame Carol Kidu were the keynote speakers for the event with a focus on gaining a better understanding of gender based offending, victim care, and developing personal leadership styles.

A highlight was the presentation of service medals by the Commissioner, and the announcement of RPNGC promotions. A total of 531 members of the Constabulary were promoted, with 21 percent of the total being women (see next story). Sylvia Reu was promoted to Superintendent and is now the second highest ranking female in the RPNGC with five additional women joining the commissioned officer ranks. The number of women promoted was encouraging, especially as they currently make up only 12 percent of the RPNGC sworn workforce.

The RPNGC management’s commitment ‘to adopt positive changes aimed at enhancing the performance of women in policing in PNG’ was clearly demonstrated by their support in funding the conference and fully participating in the program. The ongoing support of the Papua New Guinea – Australia Policing Partnership was also vital in ensuring as many police women as possible had the opportunity to attend and overall success of the event.

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Promotion of Eight RPNGC Women Officers

RPNGC WAN congratulates the 8 Police women who were recently promoted to the commissioned ranks on Monday 5th March 2018 1. Ch/Inspector Sylvia REU promoted to Supt as Staff officer – DCP Ops 2. Insp Elizabeth TIBAM promoted to S/Insp as Staff officer – ACP Ops PHQ 3. Insp Josephine KUMAI promoted to S/Insp –Police Station Commander – Lae Metropolitan Command 4. Ch/Sgt Kerrie DUMA promoted to Insp – 2IC Prosecutions/Wabag 5. Ch/Sgt Jennifer Josiah Aigilo promoted to Inspector – 2IC PSC Bialla WNBP 6. Ch/Sgt Anne DRAKUM promoted to Inspector- 2IC PSC Bialla/WNBP 7. Ch/Sgt Susan MONDIAI promoted to Inspector – OIC Community Policing/Mt Hagen 8. Senior Constable Judith Lapilla Pauls promoted to Inspector – Legal officer to Border Division (Merit Based Promotion)

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First Female Dog handler for RPNGC – meet Constable Valentina Kowa

Constable Valentina Kowa transferred to the Dog Directorate over two years ago. She had the dream of becoming a dog handler but was relegated to administration and kennel cleaning duties. Valentina said, ‘As the only female officer in the unit it was challenging but I wanted to break the barriers.’

Her determination finally paid off when she was one of 14 RPNGC members who recently graduated from an eight-week dog handling training program. Valentina has been permanently assigned a firearms and explosive detection dog called Stella, a three-year-old Belgium Shepherd. They have both leaped in to action since graduation, participating in a variety of security related tasks.

Constable Valentina Kowa is the first RPNGC female dog handler. She says, ‘It’s a man’s world but women can do what men can do, so accept the challenges, face them and beat them, and become who you want to be in this life. I am so happy to be given this chance, and for the support of the AFP Advisors.’

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Report from SOLOMON ISLANDS:

RSIPF Women participated in the International Women’s Day parade in Honiara on 08th March 2018

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70 new RSIPF Constables graduated

Several family members, invited guests and officers of the RSIPF witnessed the graduation and taking of oath of allegiance by the 70 mew Police constables who graduated after 20 weeks training at the Police Academy in Honiara.

The 14 female and 56 male constables boost the strength of RSIPF to a new total of 1,441 officers serving throughout the country. The 70 new constables will now serve a two year probation period at the police stations in some provinces and across Honiara City.

“Your oath of allegiance empowers you as police constable, investing you with the powers to perform police duties according to the Law of the Solomon Islands,” said RSIPF Commissioner Mathew Varley during the graduation ceremony, thanking families of the new graduated police constables for allowing their sons and daughters to Serve Solomon Islands through joining the RSIPF.

Meet Constable Kym Sussanne Ora

“I want to serve this nation the best I can. I’ve always wanted to be a Police officer ever since I was a kid, having grown up in a policing family” says newly graduated Police Constable 27 year old.

Growing up and seeing her father, who is a former police commander so dedicated and passionate about his job, Kym was inspired and motivated to fulfil her dream to becoming a police officer. Getting married with four kids did not stop her. She comes from Shortland Islands in the Western part of Solomon Islands.

“Coming through these 20 weeks of hard training is challenging. I was elected to be the head girl of the recruits and having to look after 69 adults was a very challenging task. But the training helped to mould me and my colleagues to be physically fit and qualified officers.”

“I am proud to become a newly sworn police officer and I want to go out there and serve this nation with the best I can in any department that will be assigned to. I want to become a good prosecutor like my late brother, Inspector Galvin Ora”

She adds: “I want to encourage the youth of our country to join the RSIPF to serve our nation in maintaining peace and security of this country. It will be challenging and tough but I have proved that it is worth trying. It is a very interesting career to take up with pride. You will never know until you joined.”

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Report from VANUATU:

Vanuatu Police Force farewelled 77 officers who had reached mandatory retirement age (55 years). Included in the retirement list were 3 sworn and 3 unsowrn female members. They are Chief Inspector Clera Seth,SSgt Anne Marie Simeon,SSgt Olline Reuben,Civilian Veronique Sam,Civilian Marie Pako and Civilian Rhoda Yauko. Pictured at left are some of the VPF WAN members sharing a farewell ceremony for retiring members. VPF WAN will surely miss them but wish them all the best with life after retirment.

VPF WAN members based in Luganville recently joined the Volley4change program. Volley4change project is aimed at helping young people reduce their chances of developing any of the many NCDs by encouraging them to be more involved in playing Volleyball. Volley4Change is managed by the Vanuatu Volleyball Federation who’s activities supported by the Pacific Sports Partnership which is an Australian Government program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through Australia’s Aid program and managed by the Australian Sport Commissions ______

Report from COOK ISLANDS:

In keeping with the International Women’s day and the rights and achievements of women, we take a look and honour one of our own. Sergeant Tereapii Tapoki. The Police officer is always committed and continually striving to stay at the top of her game – in sport and work, Wishing her all the best in the Common Wealth Games in Gold Coast Australia.

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Photos from PICP WAN Working group workshop – 14th & 15th March Heritage Park, Honiara Solomon Islands

Thank you RSIPF Commissioner Mathew Varley our PICP WAN ELT Lead and RSIPF WAN for great host - Tagio tumas

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Report from the Australian Federal Police

Australian Day Police Medal recipients 2018 Almost 100 years old dedication has been recognised on the honour list. Acting Detective Superintendent Melissa Northam and former Commander Susan Thomas and Detective Superintendent has been named as recipients of the Australian Police Medal in recognition of their work across range of AFP operational areas.

Their Dedication to law enforcement and the safety of the community is second to none and we are extremely proud of their achievements.

Detective Acting Superintendent Northam began her career with the Victorian Police in 1985, before joining the AFP in 1995. She is currently Acting Superintendent State Manager Darwin. Her career has allowed her to perform leadership liaison and advisory roles in overseas postings. Of particular significance is her role as Operational Commander in Bangkok at the time of the Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day, 2004. She has also worked extensively in child exploitation teams and has been a strong advocate for women in the AFP, receiving the prestigious Bev Lawson Memorial Award for outstanding leadership and achievements in policing by the Australasian Council of Women in Policing in 2013

We all remember Melissa from the amazing work she did, especially as Program Manager of the PICP WAN, during her secondment to the PICP Secretariat 2011 – 2014.

Former Commander Thomas has had a distinguished career in the AFP since joining in 1983. She retired from the organisation in November 2017. In advocating as a leader for cultural change and playing a key role in implementing the recommendations from the AFP’s Cultural Change Report, Commander Thomas’ final role was Manager Reform. Spanning her career, Commander Thomas achieved various leadership and investigative roles for Drug Operations; Intelligence and Counter Terrorism Intelligence and performed the role of the AFP’s Senior Liaison Officer in Beijing.

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PICP WAN IMPORTANT DATES in 2018:

14th - 18th May: RPNGC WAN Coordinators workshop, Port Moresby

25th & 26th July: PICP WAN Conference in Samoa This year’s Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Women’s Advisory Network (PICP WAN) Conference will be hosted by Samoa, 25th and 26th July 2018. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Samoa Police WAN in working on the logistics and organisation of this conference. We are very much looking forward to joining them in their beautiful country.

15th & 16th August: PICP Chiefs of Police Conference in NAURU

12th – 14th September: Professional Development Seminar & Excellence in Policing Awards

2018 ACWAP and the Western Australia Police Force invite you to the “Power of Many Equals”. Professional Development Seminar and 20th Annual Excellence in Policing Awards in Perth Western Australia.

Contact Details:

Please check out the PICP web page at www.picp.co.nz

Note the PICP Secretariat are now using a joint team email of [email protected]

Use Facebook? Search and ask to join the 230+ members of the PICP-WAN Discussion forum group

Reminders to all Readers: Please provide Jonny or Miltus with any 2018 dates of interest for your jurisdictions WAN. Make sure we have the correct contact details for your WAN Chair & Committee members. The next Newsletter will be issue end of May – we welcome articles for April & May.

PICP Women’s Advisory Network (PICP WAN) contact: Jonelle LANCASHIRE PICP Secretariat, Wellington New Zealand Phone: +64 (0)4 4707327, Mobile: +64 (0)20447266 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] www.picp.co.nz

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