The Australian Border Force (ABF) has delivered a second round of investigative interview training to Solomon Islands Customs, Immigration, and Police to help equip officers to plan and conduct detailed and effective investigative interviews.
The training is based on the PEACE model for investigative interviewing, which began in the United Kingdom in the 1980s and has since become best practice for law enforcement agencies worldwide.
The PEACE model uses emerging research on memory and recall and considers contemporary issues facing law enforcement.
It results in more complete, accurate and reliable information, less duplication of effort, enhanced credibility, improved public trust and confidence, and improved enforcement outcomes and prosecutions.
The training is part of the ongoing capacity-building program being delivered by the ABF to focus on improving the capability of Solomon Islands border enforcement agencies.
Officers participated in five days of classroom and scenario-based learning and were required to break out into smaller syndicates and demonstrate the ability to prepare, plan and conduct an interview with a witness and a suspect, including undertaking formal records of interview.
Officers now have the skills and ability to undertake various interviews in varying levels of complexity.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton said Australia is proud to work alongside Solomon Islands Customs, Immigration and Police.
“Delivering these courses to our international partners provides the perfect opportunity to learn from each other and support each other as we seek to combat transnational crime in partnership with our Pacific neighbours,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
Another aspect of the course was the opportunity for internal networking and collaboration among Customs, Immigration and Police.
Acting Director of Immigration, Chris Akosawa, thanked the ABF.
“By working together, border enforcement agencies can efficiently share information and resources, undertake joint investigations, and enhance their effectiveness in combating threats to the Solomon Islands border,” Akosawa said.
Customs Comptroller Peter Hughes officially opened the courses and said a strong border enforcement and investigations capability is vital in protecting Solomon Islands community and economy.
“As we continue to recruit more Customs officers under the Customs Reform, Modernisation and Capacity Building Strategy, we will also continue to increase our investigations and enforcement capability,” Hughes said.
“Courses such as this are critical in improving enforcement outcomes and will assist in our mission to protect Solomon Islands community, facilitate legitimate trade and increase revenue. I thank the ABF for their ongoing support.”