On May 24, 2024, a significant virtual meeting took place involving ASEANAPOL Executive Director David Martinez Vinluan, alongside key officers, and prominent international figures in law enforcement and crime prevention. The meeting attendees included Mr. Collie F. Brown, the Regional Advisor on Transnational Organized Crime at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), based in the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, and Mr. Nicholas Brown, Executive Director of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) secretariat, located in Wellington, New Zealand. Both UNODC and PICP have been working partners of ASEANAPOL since 2014 and 2015 respectively.
The primary focus of this virtual discussion was to explore and identify potential areas for collaboration between ASEANAPOL and PICP, with a special emphasis on addressing the pressing challenges posed by Transnational Organized Crime (TNOC) and cybersecurity issues. Given the complex and borderless nature of these threats, both organizations recognize the critical need for a unified and strategic approach. This meeting was a proactive step towards forging a partnership that leverages the unique strengths and regional insights of each entity.
The collaborative effort is expected to enhance both organizations' capabilities in combating organized crime and securing cyberspace in their respective regions. By sharing best practices, intelligence, and strategic methodologies, ASEANAPOL and PICP aim to bolster their operational effectiveness and foster a safer, more secure global environment. This initiative also aligns with broader international efforts to tackle crime networks and cyber threats that affect multiple countries and have far-reaching impacts on national and regional security. The discussion underscored the commitment of both ASEANAPOL and PICP to deepen cooperation and work collaboratively towards common goals in law enforcement and public safety.
“Together We Keep This Region Safe”