The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is set to enhance the representation of Pacific Island police at the United Nations by leveraging an address from Commissioner Krissy Barrett. This initiative aims to promote the involvement of Pacific Island law enforcement in future international peacekeeping missions. In a significant move, Australia will host the United Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS) in New York next year, marking a first for the nation. This biennial summit gathers heads of national police and senior officials from all 193 UN member states.
Taking place at the UN General Assembly, the summit will align with Commissioner Barrett’s strategy to expand AFP’s global operations and strengthen international collaboration against evolving criminal threats in the Indo-Pacific. Commissioner Barrett plans to highlight the importance of empowering Pacific chiefs of police on this prestigious platform, particularly as the region grapples with strategic competition and transnational crime.
During her address, Commissioner Barrett emphasized the need for Pacific Island police to have a prominent voice within global discussions. She stated, “It is important voices of Pacific Island police are heard within global bodies, particularly given growing concerns about cybercrime, illicit commodity trafficking and organised crime in the region.” She further noted that the regional leadership among Pacific chiefs is evident, with a strong desire for collaborative solutions to shared security challenges.
The engagement with Pacific police agencies is critical, according to Commissioner Barrett. She remarked, “The dedication and hard work of Pacific police agencies have helped keep Australians safe from organised crime.” This commitment is part of the AFP’s broader diplomatic efforts at the UN in New York, aimed at ensuring the region’s policing perspectives are integrated into UN policy settings.
Focus on Peacekeeping and Regional Security
Commissioner Barrett highlighted that UNCOPS serves as an ideal platform to discuss the evolving role of policing in peacekeeping, particularly in light of the complexities associated with transnational crime. The AFP is a strong advocate for Pacific Island police to take on more active roles in international peacekeeping efforts. This year, the AFP launched the world’s first UN-accredited police peacekeeping program tailored specifically for the Pacific region and Timor-Leste.
The program, held at the AFP’s facilities in Pinkenba, Brisbane, trained 100 participants from 11 countries across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, equipping them with essential skills for UN deployments. This initiative marks a significant step forward in preparing Pacific police for international missions.
Australia’s selection to host UNCOPS in 2026 follows extensive advocacy efforts that highlighted the peace and security priorities of the Pacific region. Commissioner Barrett reflected on Australia’s longstanding commitment to peacekeeping, noting that it has been over 60 years since the first contingent of Australian police was deployed to Cyprus as part of UN efforts.
The Pacific region has actively contributed to various missions, addressing conflicts and enhancing regional security. Commissioner Barrett pointed out the responsiveness of Pacific countries to regional security needs, citing the contributions of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Australia in swiftly deploying to Vanuatu after the devastating earthquake in December 2024.
As the UNCOPS summit approaches, the AFP continues to prioritize the integration of Pacific policing perspectives into global discussions. This commitment not only elevates the role of Pacific Island police but also underscores Australia’s dedication to collaborative international security efforts.
