The Vanuatu Police Force has initiated training for community safety teams to support community policing efforts in Port Vila.

This week, a training session was conducted for members of the Freshwota 5 community safety team, led by the Crime Prevention Unit. The initiative comes as various communities and wards in Port Vila started establishing safety teams during the last festive season to address security concerns during major events.

Community safety teams operate on a voluntary basis and play a crucial role in assisting the police in maintaining order. These teams have already been contributing to their communities, recognizing the importance of their work in ensuring safety.

The training provided participants with fundamental knowledge of the law and essential skills to handle community issues effectively. Officers emphasized the importance of these teams in areas where they are not yet established, encouraging other communities to follow suit.

Sergeant Rayndol Ala urged communities to take ownership of the program, emphasizing its role in engaging young people and fostering a sense of responsibility for community safety.

This marks the first time the police have organized such training, with plans to expand the initiative to other communities where safety teams are already in place.

The Vanuatu Police Force aims to continue strengthening community policing efforts through these training sessions, reinforcing the collaboration between law enforcement and local safety teams.