The National Security Directorate within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has secured funding to engage a local contractor who will work directly with key frontline agencies to assess and upgrade their security needs.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, this project will begin rolling out in the coming months.

This development comes after the recent break-in at the OPM’s compound late Sunday evening. There were also break-ins reported at the Minister for Justice Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa’s Support Office and the Crown Law office that same weekend.

A spokesperson from the Office of the Prime Minister said: “The recent rise in break-ins and burglaries across the island is indeed alarming and deeply concerning.”

Also read: Crime spree hits Govt Buildings, Police investigate break-ins at PM’s Office and Crown Law

The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), the landlord for the majority of government buildings, shares responsibility for the security and maintenance of these premises with individual government agencies.

“In 2023, the Cook Islands Protective Security Policy Framework (CIPSPF) was developed by the National Security Directorate within the Office of the Prime Minister, in collaboration with New Zealand security and intelligence agencies,” the spokesperson said.

“This framework provides comprehensive guidelines to help agencies safeguard their personnel, information, and physical assets. It specifically includes measures to prevent unauthorised access to government buildings.”

According to the spokesperson, as the Office of the Prime Minister implements ICT shared services across government agencies, there is an opportunity to integrate technological solutions that were previously unavailable, such as a unified platform for CCTV and motion sensors.

“These advancements could also facilitate the synchronisation of government and business security systems, ensuring that security measures are effective yet minimally intrusive.”