Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
A second group has graduated under the Officer Safety Programme (OSP) last week, and the rollout of training for a third group is scheduled for this week.
The training sessions are being run over the course of five weeks to accommodate all staff in the skills to assess and respond to a variety of situations involving offenders.
It also provides police officers with the assessment capabilities to utilise appropriate tactical options, which ensures safety of the staff, offenders and the public.
New Zealand police trainers are working alongside the Cook Islands Police trainers as the programme is instituted into the organisation’s future training needs.
The first class of officers, a mix of senior officers and staff, graduated mid last month under the same programme with the goal of modernising officer safety measures. These newly qualified trainers are now leading the rollout of OSP training to all officers in the Cook Islands.
The training for the second group was facilitated by coordinator assistant sergeant Lisa Tatakura, and delivered by senior sergeant Epii Poila, assistant sergeant Rimamingi Tereapii, senior constable Tehapai Marsters and constable Kotimoa Yakilia.
The group that completed the training on November 29 were Inspector Tepaki Baxter, senior sergeant Tuainekore Charlie, sergeant Kimiora Makitae, senior constable Margarita Ingaua and maritime trainee Matoha Niukore.
In a statement, Cook Islands Police said the graduation also marked the completion of four weeks of supervision and guidance by two NZ Police trainers, who have supported the delivery of the OSP programme to build capacity within the Cook Islands Police.
“Words (and gifts) of appreciation were extended to Cole Lemalu and Ben Tongalea by acting Commissioner Aka Matapo, for their efforts in the Train the Trainers course and subsequent rollout of training for all staff. A/Commissioner Matapo also expressed gratitude to the NZ Police for the timely support in strengthening staff capabilities through training and contributing to the further strengthening of a valued and close working relationship.”
The OSP programme, developed in collaboration with the New Zealand Police, focuses on equipping officers with a framework of tactical options for handling a range of situations, including violent confrontations.
It emphasises de-escalation tactics and risk reduction while providing officers with tools such as physical restraint techniques, handcuffs, batons, and now, pepper spray.
The introduction of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, commonly known as pepper spray, provides officers with a non-lethal tool to effectively subdue violent offenders while minimising harm.
Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt earlier confirmed that the use of pepper spray was a new addition to the police duty belt, with training for all staff having started on November 18.